Research Methodologies in China studies

• Ability to identify and collect data in Chinese that are necessary to answer a given research question.
• Ability to evaluate the relevance and credibility of Chinese and non-Chinese sources.
• Ability to critically reflect on the relevance of different research methodologies.
• Ability to connect your research to key theoretical debates in your field.
• 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.

The course is available to students admitted to the MA programme option Chinese Culture and Society.

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. At least one finished draft of the exam paper must be sent to your supervisor before the submission.

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.

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:

• Here you will find information about compulsory activites at the Department of Culture, Religion, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies.https://www.hf.uio.no/ikos/studier/compulsory-activities.htmlhttps://www.uio.no/english/studies/examinations/compulsory-activities/hf-oblig.html

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:

• Common guidelines relating to compulsory activities - University of Oslo (uio.no)

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.

• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Resitting an examination