Type of course

The course is mandatory for and restricted to students admitted to the Master's Programme in Indigenous Studies (MIS).

The course can also be taken as a singular course by exchange students from collaborating universities and who have taken the course IND-3025.

Obligatory prerequisites

Course content

This course follows up on the perspectives introduced in the IND-3025 course and aims to start a reflection on the methodology and methods in indigenous studies as well as in social sciences and humanities in general. It provides knowledge about and insight into the main methods of indigenous studies and offers a basis for the choice of method in the research project. The focus falls partially on the practical aspects of multidisciplinary research based on social sciences and humanities. Hence, the course prepares the students for the different stages of the research process related to the individual master's projects and give them an overview of the basic methodological tools as a preparation for collecting data.

The course presents the challenges raised by indigenous methodology, especially those related to aspects of the decolonization of research and methodology. Ethical considerations and reflexivity are emphasized in particular.

The course is highly relevant for the programme due to its overarching function.

The course is to be continuously evaluated by an appointed reference group. In addition, an anonymous online evaluation will take place on a regular basis.

Objectives of the course

The students who have successfully completed the course should have achieved the following outcomes:

Knowledge:

• to acquire advanced knowledge of the relation between theoretical perspectives and practical methods;
• to have knowledge of the different scholarly methods in the field of indigenous studies;
• to be able to analyse academic challenges raised by indigenous methodology;
• to acquire knowledge on the basis of research ethics and on the responsibility of the researcher.

Skills:

• to analyse and deal critically with various sources of information on indigenous issues;
• to design and prepare for an independent master's project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics;
• to use relevant research methods to collect and analyse data.

Competence:

• to apply acquired skills and knowledge to produce high quality academic work.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

The teaching combines lectures, seminars and practical workshops according to a detailed schedule. The learning outcomes are achieved through active student participation, and it is expected that the students are well prepared for each teaching unit.

The course is part of the second (spring) semester of the programme. The plenary teaching will be supplemented with individual tutoring on the work with the project proposal by the supervisor.

The teaching will provide the students with a basis for carrying out the research process related to the individual master's thesis, IND-3904.

Recommended reading/syllabus