This course is a part of HF's PhD week.
Course content and curriculum
The curriculum consists of ten articles/extracts that extend and pursue the theories discussed in Course 1. Six out of ten texts in Course 1 are replaced by more methodologically workable texts in Course 2. Participants will read at least two of the theoretical/methodological articles/extracts on the reading list.
In Course 2, the perspective changes from epistemological problems to the theories' operationalization and utility when developed as methods for practical research. Consequently, Course 2 will function as an independent unit for candidates who want to work only on methodological issues. Nonetheless, experiencing the interconnectedness between theoretical-methodological approaches and specific epistemological problems will give increased learning outcome for candidates who take both courses.
This is a 1 ECTS course.
Course preparations
All participants choose one theory (one only!) from the curriculum that they would like to work with. For candidates who have already completed Course 1, it is advisable but not mandatory to continue working with the same theory. Each participant also picks a short source text (1-2 pages) of their own choosing, which will be analyzed by means of the tools offered by the curriculum text. The source text to be analyzed may be taken from the source material of the PhD's own project, or freely chosen. The aim of the exercise is to master methodological tools and to gain a better understanding of their relation to theory, therefore the choice of textual material is less important.
The source material and the choice of theory must be made known to the entire group in advance of the course. Participants will then prepare a short analytical paper (maximum 5 pages), with their source material as attachment, which will be submitted before the course begins and is to be read by all. Each participant will also be assigned the task of presenting critical perspectives on methodology as respondent to another participant’s paper. It is highly recommended that participants read all methodological-theoretical texts (or as many as possible) that will be presented at the course, in addition to the one that they are responsible for presenting and the one that they will be responding to.
The curriculum is posted in Teams.
In class
The seminar starts with a roundtable lead by the course holder(s) aiming at clarifying expectations in answer to the question "what do you understand by method in the humanities?" Each participant then presents her / his source analytical work, while another participant presents critical perspectives on the methodology. The ensuing general discussion is led by the course holder(s), who will ensure that it keeps focus on methodological implications and issues (rather than the source material).
Follow-up
The analytical paper may be adjusted after the course before being submitted to the teacher(s) for final approval.
Registration
The course is full. Applicants who have recieved a place on the course have been notified by e-mail.
Course conveners
Contact persons: Line Cecilie Engh (IFIKK) and Anne Birgitte Rønning (ILOS)
IFIKK, responsible department
ILOS, contributing department