Geography in Practice - Field and Research Design

The course aims to give students knowledge about research design with an emphasis on the relation between theory, methodology and empirical research. The course starts with introductory lectures and obligatory fieldwork preparation where the students in groups will formulate research questions and prepare a research design. Following this there will be a three-day fieldcourse where students in groups will carry out an empirical study. The research questions formulated must be within the focus areas at the Department of Geography. The research questions and main findings shall be reported in the form of a short, written group-based report.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• has insight and a critical understanding of a research process through the formulation of research questions and design, including the use of theoretical and methodological approaches within a chosen research topic.

Skills:

• has experience in field methodology, experience in preparing research design and plan a research process, development of issues, justify problem solving, identify relevant theoretical and methodological approaches.

General competence:

• has training in professional analysis, writing, fieldwork and professional interaction.

6 hours lectures, 3 days fieldwork, group-based report.