Admission requirements
The course is designed for ResMA African Studies students. Other LU students can join the course with prior discussion with the course coordinator (mail to: a.amha@asc.leidenuniv.nl)
Description
This course builds on the course New Frontiers in Africanist Research that is offered in the first semester. Topics in qualitative and quantitative methods will be discussed to develop practical mixed method skills. We address the steps and processes involved in developing a research project and, varied and effective ways for gathering and presenting research data. The course has a strong fieldwork orientation, examening interpersonal communication and safety issues in fieldwork environment. Whatever appropriate methodological choices you make for your fieldwork research, the need for a strong reflexive element is emphasised. We will bring into discussion socio-cultural and linguistic contexts and practical considerations in fieldwork that can affect the operationalization of your research. It will stimulate you to reflect on the methodological implications of the decision you make on the outlets of your research results (e.g. digital vs print; visual and/or textual). Different dissemination means may require different ethical considerations and datamangement, topics that will be discussed in the course. Through practical excercises, the course will guide you on the conceptualization and clear formulation of research ideas, familiarize you with methods of gathering, documenting and presenting fieldwork material.
Course objectives
After completion of the course, you will be able to
Reflect on the implications of methodological approaches in field work situations
Formulate research ideas into research questions
Identify appropriate methods / tools that help you gather information in an ethical way to answer the research questions
Apply diverse quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather, organize, and dessiminate data sets.
Identify ethical and intercultural challenges of doing fieldwork in/over Africa that involves intensive interaction with people and state your views in and preparations for addressing these challenges.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Choose from:
Lecture
Seminar
Research
Excursion
Internship
Thesis BA or Thesis MA
**Lecture **
**Research **
**Excursion **
Assessment method
Possibilities (Note that in case of mid-term examinations the weighting must be specified and how the final mark is established):
Written examination with closed questions (eg multiple choice)
Written examination with short open questions
Written examination with essay questions •Take home examination/assignment
Active Participation/coöperation in class/group
Essay, paper
Oral examination
Abstract, oral presentation.
Assessment
The assessment will be based on five practical excercises (assignments) on research design, interviewing and recording (20%), quantitative methods, questionnaire handling (20%), observation and visualization (20%), archival research (25%) and students’ module on Netnography (15%). Attendance of all classes, reading of assigned literature before class, active participation in class and timely presentation of assignments are required for successful completion of the course.
Weighing
**The final marks for the course are additions of the marks for each of the five practical assignments stated above. **
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
Students who fail to attain a pass for the course on the basis of the addition of the marks for the five assignments, will be offered the chance to rewrite/re-do two to three of the assignments for which the lowest marks are obtained.
#### Inspection and feedback
Feedback and motivation for grading will be offered on the practical assignments and on the final essay.
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
A course overview with description and reading list of each course component will be sent to students at least a week before the start of the course.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Reuvensplaats