Høst 2020

IND-3012 GENI - Research Methods and Indigenous Research Ethics - 5 stp

The course is administrated by

Senter for samiske studier

Type of course

The student must be enrolled in the Master in Governance and Entrepreneurship in Northern and Indigenous Areas (GENI).

The course is a prerequisite to IND-3013 GENI Applied Research Project and IND-3902 GENI - Thesis Seminar. It cannot be taken as a singular course.

Course contents

The course provides insights into quantitative and qualitative methodologies, emphasising their theoretical and technical foundations. It fosters skills relevant for designing research, selecting appropriate methods, collecting and handling data, and writing up research. It also provides guidelines for identifying and addressing practical challenges associated with research in difficult and post-conflict settings. It introduces students to the ethical questions and requirements surrounding research related to Indigenous peoples.

Objective of the course

The students have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student:

has an understanding of the principles of social research
has an understanding of philosophical debates underlying qualitative and quantitative research strategies
has knowledge of appropriate data handling and research practices
understands the importance of Indigenous research methodologies, reflexivity and positioning

Skills

The student is able to / can:

gather evidence through a variety of techniques and methods
select the appropriate research strategies for their independent research projects
store and archive their research data safely and securely

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

The course will involve 6 lectures over 6 weeks. These will be supplemented with weekly seminar discussions of the course material, as well as group and one-on-one discussions of planned research projects. Students are also expected to complete an online module in research ethics.

The course is offered in the fall semester (August - December).

Assessment

The following coursework requirements must be completed and approved in order to take the final exam:

Complete the online module in research ethics (4-6 hours)
Arrange a consultation meeting with course instructor and/or the USask GENI program manager regarding your Applied Research Project
If necessary for your project, submit an application for ethics review to USask Behavioural Research Ethics Board or a notification of personal data processing to Norwegian Centre for Research Data (NSD)
Attendance of at least 5 seminar discussions is mandatory

The exam will consist of:

A take-home written assignment (of approximately 2000 words) in the form of a research project proposal and a brief literature review.

The exam will be assessed on a Pass/Fail basis.

Retake is offered in the beginning of the following semester in cases of Fail. Deferred examination is offered in the beginning of the following semester if the student is unable to take the final exam due to illness or other exceptional circumstances. Registration deadline for retake is January 15. A passing grade is required before the student can start the course IND-3013 Applied Research Project.

Date for examination

Home examination hand in date 27.10.2020

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.