Methodological Specialisation, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• International master's programme in Outdoor and sustainability education

Entry requirements

• A Teacher or Pre-school Teacher Degree of at least 180 ECTS credits 
  or 
  Bachelor's Degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, with a major in one of the following subjects Education, Pedagogy, Pedagogical work, Biology,  Ecology, Geography or Sustainable development 
  or
  Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, and additional clearly documented work experience of at least one year, full time, in outdoor or sustainability education or the equivalent.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6 or Engelska nivå 2).
• 15 credits approverd in courses in research methods at advanced level.
• Exemption from Swedish.

Intended learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a chosen scientific method
• account for how the chosen method has been used in previous and current research in outdoor education and sustainability education
• problematize the method from ontological and epistemological perspectives
• reflect in depth on the prerequisites of different scientific methods to design a study based on similar problem formulations
• analyse a research approach from a broader ethical perspective in terms of both participants in the study and a broader societal perspective. 

Course content

The course provides an in-depth understanding of the methodological approach chosen for the thesis work. The content is adapted individually and includes enhanced knowledge of the method's theoretical foundations, its current scientific application and its relevance in relation to research questions and context. The method is critically examined based on opportunities and limitations, as well as ethical considerations, data collection strategies, analysis methods and validity issues. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of the ability to argue for the choice of method in relation to research design and theories of knowledge, and to be able to apply the method in a systematic and reflective manner. 

Teaching and working methods

Teaching is conducted through individual supervision, seminars, reflection assignments, and individual studies.

Examination

The course is examined through an individual written assignment and active participation in seminars.  

Applies to all courses regardless of grading scale.

• Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course two times are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

If the course has a three-graded grading scale (U - VG), following applies:

• Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

The following applies to courses that include a compulsory component:

• If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.  

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Grades

Department