Required prerequisite knowledge

Master students in ICSM must have completed coursework requirements in IKF301 and IKF302 to continue with IKF303.

Relevance within study programme

Compulsory course in the ICSM-program

Learning outcomes descriptors

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of the research proposal as a specific academic genre
• has knowledge on how to outline a research project
• has knowledge of research ethics relevant to the specific research
• has advanced knowledge into the relevant intercultural research discourse of a particular field of praxis or work area

Skills

The student

• can search for relevant and valid information on a particular issue, and on that basis recognize and formulate interesting and relevant research questions and develop these into a feasible research project
• can produce a research proposal and prepare a research project
• can recognise and formulate interesting and relevant research questions
• can apply cultural  and social theory and analysis to a new field of praxis or work area relevant to the scholarly field of intercultural studies
• can use and reflect upon theoretical angles and methodological tools for collecting, producing and analyzing different types of data in relation to one's own research goals
• can identify conflicting values and interests and different positions of power and agency, and grasp multi-vocal approaches
• can argue clearly, concisely and correctly for the choice of theoretical and methodological perspectives and tools
• is capable of critical reflection, and evaluate the quality of a research project
• is able to discuss one's own and fellow students' research strategies in a scholarly forum  

General competence

The student

• has knowledge of project development and the research process
• can demonstrate knowledge of how to outline a research project and is able to apply general intercultural theory and methods to a particular field and issue, and to search for relevant and valid information
• can demonstrate ethical consciousness of problems potentially encountered through research and the use of research results
• shows respect for research values such as probity and accountability

Content

This course shall contribute to a plan for the work with the master thesis that is theoretically anchored in the field of intercultural studies, have clear research questions and is feasible with regard to the following issues: data collection, accessibility of the field, in compliance with ethical standards, as well as a realistic timeline in relation to the length of the master study. The course expands on the intercultural theories in IKF 301 and is a specialisation in intercultural issues towards a particular selected area of praxis and area of work life. The students should find updated applied intercultural theories and contextual information. They are expected to acquire advanced insights into the status of knowledge on intercultural research in their chosen field of specialisation. Lectures, seminars and workshops include a focus on the development of research questions and research hypotheses in individual projects, as well as practical and methodological challenges related to fieldwork and/or data collection process.

The aim of the course is to prepare the student for field work and future jobs, and to enable her/him to apply intercultural knowledge and skills to a particular field of praxis or work area, such as diplomacy, business and development cooperation, administration and management, education, health care, welfare, security and defence, cultural or religious institutions, or NGOs . The focus must be on intercultural communication and interaction within a confined field relevant to the preparation for the master thesis and qualitative methods.

The students have to search for relevant literature and white papers, and outline their own research project based on an updated account of the knowledge status of relevant intercultural challenges in their selected empirical field. The choice of place and sector for fieldwork may enhance the chance for future employment. The exam is handed in electronically, and the oral exam may take place via Skype for those students who are on student exchange.

Teaching and learning methods

Varying forms of teaching will be employed, including lectures, seminars and workshops.

Scope

450 hours . This includes self-study.

Coursework requirements

Participation and presentation of your project in four seminars.

• Present two drafts of the research proposal for the Master Thesis where the research aims are described and discussed, and suggestions are made for theoretical perspectives, methods and ethical implications
• Give prepared comments on a co-students research proposal draft at two seminars

Grading, coursework requirements

Approved / Not approved

Final assessment

Individual assessment

• A  research proposal that describes the research question and discusses the research aims, the choise of  theoretical perspectives, methods, ethics, and the fieldwork (approx. 4000-6000 words).
• Oral examination

         A passing grade is required for the candidate to be allowed to sit for an oral examination. The            student must pass the oral examination to get a final grade.

Students on exchange may apply for oral examination via Skype.

Grading, examination

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is fail.  

Permitted aids under examination

 For oral exam: Dictionary and the submitted project outline. Other aids are not permitted. 

Assessment language

Scandinavian languages or English

Progression requirements

The research proposal must be given a passing grade in order to continue to fieldwork and writing the master thesis (IKF_THE).

All projects that deal with personal data require approval by NSD before fieldwork. 

Practice

None.

Course evaluation

Annually course evaluation in accordance with the quality assurance system for NLA University College. Students may also give their feedback on the course in the student group/ in class.

Other rules

The student has to follow the requirements from research ethical norms and the Data Protection Official for Research .

Available as Single Course

No.