210092 UE M2: Research Methods for Political Science qualitativ (2025W)

The course is designed as interactive lecturing style, which means that regular attendance and active participation are of great importance. Missing more than two classes will result in failing the course (=grade 5). In exceptional cases, such as illness or an accident, a positive grade is possible. Proof of the reason must be provided and a compensation assignment must be arranged with the course instructor. Absence due to paid employment is not compensable.

In addition to minimum attendance, All the below three components need to be fulfilled for a positive grade:

1. Six short assignments/tasks (students who do more than six assignments will have the six best grades entered); 30%
2. In-class presentation and active participation: 20%
3. Final approx. 6,000 words term paper: 50%

For the term paper, it is necessary to collect new data through interviews, focus groups, or observation. Analysis of existing data (including document analysis) is not sufficient.

The paper should focus on issues related to inequity and/or solidarity and human health and well-being in the broadest sense. It should not exceed 6,000 words in length, including footnotes but excluding the bibliography and annexes. The following elements must be included:

1. Introduction: What is the problem this paper contributes to solving? What is the research question? What have others said about this topic so far (brief review of existing literature), and what is unexplored? What are the relevant policies, if any? [20 points]

2. Methods: Explain why the method of your choice is particularly well suited to address the research question. How did you collect and analyse the data? [20 points].

3. Research ethics: Which ethical aspects have been taken into consideration in your research and how did you ensure that they were executed? [10 Points]

4. Findings: What are the results of your data analysis. What is the answer to your research question? What kind of themes constitute your findings or theory? What kind of theory could you develop from your findings? [15 points]

5. Discussion*: Here you situate your findings in the context of relevant literature. How does your finding correspond to, contradicts or add to existing literature? What are the strength and limitation of your research? Reflect on any issues that might have influenced your analysis and findings (ex. your gender, ethnicity, position as a student etc.,) [15 points]

6. Conclusion/Summary: What is the conclusion and contribution of your work to the state of the art in research or existing theory? [10 points]

Structure and formal aspects: readability, proper language, spellcheck, formatting, proper and consistent reference style, etc., [10 points]

*Findings and discussion sections could be combined into one, if preferred

Maximum 100 points. For a positive final grade, one needs minimum 45 points on the term paper.