Tags
GPH
Admissions requirements
Students are recommended to take Medical Anthropology 200 before starting this course. If you did not take Medical Anthropology please contact the instructor prior to the course.
Description
In this course students are given an introduction into research methods used in Global Public Health with a focus on qualitative methods. We will focus on what binds different disciplines that make up Global Public Health. Social sciences and Anthropology in particular are framed as disciplines that through their methods provide the information needed to ask the right questions in survey research.
The sessions include case-studies where methodological designs in epidemiology and social sciences are analyzed. Differences between epidemiology and social sciences are elucidated by reflecting on the ways in which ideas about measurement and what counts as evidence is defined and studied in these two disciplines. Students learn how to 1) use qualitative research methods and conduct data-analysis by conducting a mini-research using qualitative data-collection techniques and developing a research design. Students also learn how to 2) critically comment on the validity of scientific arguments in social science articles by analysis of the methodology used. Students will also learn the basics of conducting a systematic literature review in which they can employ their acquired analytical skills. Teaching methods include critical analysis of social science articles, in-class practicals to acquire skills, a research practical, a presentation of research findings.
Course objectives
By the end of the course students will:
have learned how to conduct a systematic literature review in global public health using different qualitative research methods.
Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative methods in global public health
Be able to compare methods sections and the presentation of evidence in scientific articles.
have acquired the necessary research skills to conduct a small-scale qualitative study, using observation, interviewing and focus-group discussions and to analyze these data.
are able to write a research proposal, selecting the appropriate research methods for the selected research question.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published here.
Mode of instruction
The two-hour twice weekly session will be run as a seminar, consisting of introductory lectures, literature presentations and practical guidance on assignments. You are expected to attend every class session, to carefully read the articles, and to hand in your assignments on the specified deadlines.
Assessment
Participation, 5%, ongoing
Conduct a systematic review (group assignment), 20%, deadlines in weeks 1, 3, and 5
Methodological commentary on one article (750 words), 10%, Week 2
Conduct a mini-research - A. Observation, 7,5%, Week 4
Conduct a mini-research - B. Interviews (30 min, transcribed), 15%, Weeks 5+6
Conduct a mini-research - C. Elective method, 7,5%, Week 7
Conduct a mini-research - D. Data-analysis of three methods, 10%, Week 7
Mini-conference about research, 15%, Week 8
Compiled research file (A+B+C+D), 40%, Week 9
Research report (1000- 1200 words) and reflection on group and research process (500 words), 10%, Week 9
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
TBA
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Dr. Josien de Klerk
josiendeklerkwerk@gmail.com
Remarks
The focus of this course is on qualitative research methods. Workload outside of class is extensive, due to the home-assignments that are part of the mini-research. Students are expected to have this time available. Reading time for this course is limited however.