KIN4010 – Research Methodologies in China studies
Course content
Based on the approved project description for your master thesis, you communicate in this course with your supervisor in order to decide which research methodologies are most relevant to your thesis, and which kind of data you need to collect. There is no teaching in class for this course.
Depending on your specific topic of research, data may be collected from, for instance:
- literary, historical, political or other kinds of texts
- interviews, participant observation, or other kinds of fieldwork
- digital, media and online sources, statistics, visual materials, etc.
During the course, you identify and collect data that you need for your thesis work, and you read and summarize literature that critically assess the research methodologies you wish to apply.
Thus, the course has, at the same time, a practical component where you collect and describe data, and an analytical component where you reflect on your chosen methodology and practice of data collection. Therefore, the research process and the final exam paper will be of considerable use when you later write your Master thesis.
Learning outcome
- Ability to identify and collect data in Chinese that are necessary to answer a given research question.
- Ability to assess the relevance and validity of Chinese sources.
- Ability to critically reflect on the relevance of different research methodologies.
- Depending on your chosen methodology for collecting and analysing data, you will practice how to communicate in Chinese with interviewees, how to find historical texts in local archives,?how to sample digital and media data, how to interpret Chinese texts (fiction and non-fiction), or how to work as a researcher in China.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Admission to the MA programme option Chinese Culture and Society.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
KIN4510 – How to study Chinese Culture and Society
Teaching
There is no mandatory teaching in this course. You will discuss data collection and chosen methodologies with your supervisor in order to obtain individual advise regarding suitable methodology for your chosen research topic. It is mandatory for you to be in contact with your supervisor throughout the course (either through meetings, skype, phone or e-mail in case you or the supervisor are abroad).
Compulsory activities:
- Dialogue with your supervisor regarding your choice of methodology and data. At least three such meetings have to take place and be confirmed by the supervisor before the exam paper can be submitted.
- At least one finished draft of the exam paper must be sent to your supervisor before the submission.
All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.?
Absence from compulsory activities:
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.?
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:?
The approved compulsory activity remains valid for the two following semesters in which the course is offered. However, exceptions may arise if the course undergoes changes in its assessment format, teaching, or other significant modifications.?
Examination
The exam is a term paper of 4000-7000 words plus list of references. The paper needs to account for and discuss the choice of methodologies and the process of data collection related to the Master’s thesis. It also has to contain reflections on this process based on at least one relevant academic publication regarding research methodology.
You must submit the exam in Inspera - see guides for digital exams.?
You are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with the requirements and deadlines for the exam.?
All compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.?
You can find more information about the exam on the semester page of the course.?
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.