This translation is for information purposes only. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.

Research project in political science, 15 Higher education credits

Examensarbete i Statsvetenskap, 15 Högskolepoäng

Established: 2023-11-15

Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT

Applies from: V26

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• use common terminology of importance for a degree project in the social sciences

Skills and abilities

• develop a researchable research puzzle with relevance for political science and society, relate this to previous research, with applicable theories refine it into an analytical framework, specified aim and specified questions
• describe and argue for the design and the methods with which the questions are best answered and based on this justify, collect and analyze empirical evidence and answer the research question
• write a academic thesis with all parts of the scientific process that meet academic standards and academic rigour
• make explicit and argue for and against research-related path choices using central concepts and ideas
• explain the different parts of a political science degree project and identify their relationship to each other and their function in a given degree project

Judgement and approach

• critically examine your own research as well as that of others with a particular focus on the credibility of the research
• reflect on how scientific theoretical starting points, research design and the choice of theoretical and methodological approaches affect the results of the research
• identify and reflect on the research ethical problems that have arisen in a given research process and propose acceptable solutions to these
• individually reflect on the learning process through the course and the work with the research process.

Entry requirements

Completion of studies in political science 1-60 hp, of which 52,5 hp must be completed, including the course GSM201, The Fundamentals of Political Science Methods, 15 credits or equivalent, within the framework of the International Programme for Politics and Economics (IPPE) at University West.

The forms of assessment of student performance

• Writing of a thesis in political science.
• Defending the thesis in seminar.
• Acting as discussant on another thesis in a seminar.
• Individually reflect on the learning process and research process in a log book.

A student who does not fully meet the learning outcomes of a non-supervised examination (hemtentamen), but is close to the grade “pass” can, after a decision by the examiner, be allowed to complement (kan skriva supplement eller revise också) an examination assignment in order to reach the criteria for pass. For supervised examination (salstentamen) complementing is not allowed. Complementing of an examination must be individually adapted based on the learning outcomes or objectives that were not achieved by a student. It must take place within two weeks after informing the student of the examination result and before the next examination opportunity.

Course contents

The course is focused on carrying out a research process under supervision from formulating a scientific problem to drawing conclusions from the study, and presenting this in a scientific thesis. Teaching occurs primarily as a tutorial. During the latter part of the course, a draft is presented in a seminar where opponents and examiners give feedback for the completion of the thesis.

Other regulations

Course grading: F/Fx/E/D/C/B/A - Insufficient, Insufficient- more work required before the credit can be awarded, Sufficient, Satisfactory, Good, Very Good, Excellent

Course language: The teaching is conducted in English.

General rules pertaining to examination at University West are available at www.hv.se.

If the student has a decision/recommendation on special support due to disability, the examiner has the right to examine the student in a customized examination form.

Course Overlap

Read about course overlap in the Swedish version of this course syllabus.

Cycle

First cycle

Progressive specialization

G2E - first cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science

Main field of study

Political Science