The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods

Education facts

Code: LU0090

This is a continuation course in social theory, which proceeds the course ‘The Context and Process of Research I’. In this course, principal social theories are presented and analyzed, and the students are taught how to use and apply the theories on a diverse range of empirical material, i.e. to theorize. The course also analyzes the interconnection between theory and method. During the course the students shall also continue to work on their individual research problems. They will work with different research problems, so as to practice how to use distinct forms of theoretical perspectives and concepts while theorizing. The course provides the students with a deepened understanding of theoretical and methodological contexts and of the perspectives different theories, concepts and methods contribute to data collection and analysis. The main focus of the course is on qualitative methods, but the theoretical context of quantitative methods are also presented. The course presents the theoretical grounds of discourse and world system theory analyses, social analyses of bureaucracies and governmentality, actor-network-theory (ANT), structuralism and poststructuralism, critical theory and gender theory. The course consists of lectures as well as individual and group exercises, discussed during seminars.

Entry requirements

Equivalent to 120 credits within social, natural sciences or the humanities, of which 90 credits within a particular major. Basic scientific understanding of social science theory and its interconnection to the research process. Knowledge equivalent to English B from upper secondary school, English 550 or higher TOEFL or English 5,5 or higher IELTS.

Education offerings

Each offering has its own dates and conditions. Closed offerings are retained as history and do not mean that a new application is open.

• The Context and Process of Research II: Theories and Methods

  Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

  Uppsala

  Start date: 30 September 2026

  End date: 1 November 2026

  Pace of study: 100 %