Course syllabus Research methods in the study of war, security and crisis

Swedish name: Forskningsmetoder i studiet av krig, säkerhet och kris

Course code:
3FN0023
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2022
Education cycle:
Third cycle
Scope:
15.0 credits
Progression:
undefined
Grading scale:
Two-grade scale
Main field of study:
Department:
Department of War Studies and Military History
Subject:
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2022-01-01

Entry requirements

Accepted to a doctoral programme.

Course content and structure

The course provides an enhanced understanding of advanced social science methods used in the contemporary study of war, security and crisis management, and it poses fundamental questions about the utility of methods in this area of study. The course consists of four modules: conceptual analysis, case study methodology, quantitative approaches and textual/discourse analysis. Each module addresses ontological and epistemological standpoints, as well as consequences thereof for the selection of research design, methods, modes of data collection and analysis. Thus both underlying assumptions and analytical techniques employed in different methodologies are examined. The various methodological approaches discussed in the course will be illustrated by examples drawn from research on war, security and crisis.

Type of Instruction
Seminars

Objectives

After completed course the student should be able to:

  • describe and evaluate relevant methodologies and methods of the social sciences in the study of war, security and crisis
  • identify and independently analyse common methodological challenges in social science research
  • use advanced methods and insights from the course literature on specific research projects
  • critically and systematically analyse and discuss strengths and weaknesses of various kinds of methods in contemporary social sciences

Examination formats

Examination
Scope: 15.0

Grading Scale: Fail, Pass

The course is examined through mandatory seminars, as well as four written assignments, in order for the student to gain knowledge of each specific methodological approach.

Absence from a seminar can be compensated through a written assignment, decided by the examiner, which hasto be turned in to the examiner at the end of each module.

Grading
Grading is done according to a two-tiered scale: Pass (G), and Fail (U).

Restrictions in Number of Examinations
The number of examination opportunitiesis not limited.

Transitional provisions

When the course is no longer given or when the course content has changed significantly, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-semester period according to this syllabus.

Other regulations

The course can not be included in a degree together with a course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.

If a student has a decision from the Swedish Defense University on special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.

Course evaluation is carried out after completion of the course through the course coordinator and is the basis for any changes to the course. The course may be given in English, in whole or in part.

This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.