AGDK14006U Field Methods and Fieldwork Course

Volume 2014/2015
Content

Data are conceived, identified, gathered, structured, and analyzed in complex and messy situations. This course gives students an opportunity to learn from the application of data collection methods in the field, with an emphasis on qualitative and quantitative methods usually applied in the social sciences. In doing so, students will experience the difficulties, trade-offs and limitations of different data collection methods when applied in real world situations.

The main objective of this course is for students to gain experience of collecting data in the field and, in turn, to appreciate how different approaches to data collection affect the findings obtained. In order to get as close as possible to a realistic experience of real world data collection, the course includes 2 weeks of field research in a context of relevance to themes of global development. The course is explicitly interdisciplinary and problem based and centers around a specific theme and a set of predefined research questions that groups of students will be assigned and work to answer by developing and implementing a research proposal, including the application of various methods for data collection in the field, and writing up of results and reflections on the use of methods in a report.

Learning Outcome

After completing this course, students will be assessed on their ability to collect, use and interpret data under field conditions to shed light on complex development issues as well as to concisely communicate and discuss research findings. This includes their ability to:

  • describe and define central concepts of relevance to data collection in the social sciences;
  • show an understanding of the application of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods;
  • design a research plan for field study, incorporating selection of relevant methods;
  • collect and process relevant data during fieldwork;
  • discuss and compare data obtained by various methods in interdisciplinary fieldwork;
  • critically analyze how data collection methods and their application shape research findings.

 

Teaching and learning methods
The course will be undertaken on a full-time basis over 8 weeks. This will involve 3 weeks of preparation including methods training and field research preparation; 2 weeks of field work; and 3 weeks of report writing and a final evaluation. Throughout the course, students will work in groups to design, undertake and report on their own piece of field research. The groups will be formed by the teachers at the start of the course and each group will be given a pre-defined research question to work on.
The location and theme of the fieldwork will vary on an annual basis. Locations and themes will be chosen to represent the breadth of the scope of the overall education. Where possible, field courses will be carried out in collaboration with partner universities and external stakeholders in each location.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Exam
  • 20
  • Exam Preparation
  • 120
  • Field Work
  • 100
  • Lectures
  • 40
  • Preparation
  • 120
  • Seminar
  • 20
  • Total
  • 420
Credit
15 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Oral examination under invigilation
Two mandatory assignments must be satisfactorily completed (in groups) at specific points during the course. These are:
• Research proposal, incl. research design and field work plan, (to be completed before field work phase). If this is not passed, students will not be allowed to join the field work.
• Final research report (at the termination of the course, prior to the final evaluation). If this is not passed, students will not be allowed to the oral exam.

The final evaluation comprises a 25 minutes long individual oral exam. At the oral exam the student will be examined on prior course work, in particular the final research report, as well as general elements of the course
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
External censorship
Re-exam
If you fail an examination, you will be allowed two more attempts to pass the relevant course. The first re-examination will typically be scheduled immediately following the semester (February/August). The second re-examination will typically be scheduled in the following exam period.

In order to contact to sign up for the re-exam please contact Ulla Andersen, ua@samf.ku.dk. You must sign up no later than 14 days before the re-exam date.
Criteria for exam assesment

See 'Learning Outcome'