Systematic literature studies and document studies from a social science method perspective

The course is given as a free-standing course.

The course takes a structured and concrete approach, which leads you through a proven process for working with systematic literature and document studies. These methods can be used both in an academic thesis and in professional contexts where large amounts of information may need to be compiled. The course covers the planning phase of the study, implementation and compilation of the texts studied, and gives you an understanding of the challenges that can arise with the methods of systematic literature studies and document studies. Through practical examples, clear aims, precise research questions, and theoretical frameworks, both methods are applied to current research.

On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
• summarize knowledge about the purpose of conducting systematic literature and document studies
• discuss the benefits and limitations of systematic literature and document studies
• account for the possibilities and drawbacks of the systematic literature review and document study.

Competence and skills
• assess design possibilities for a systematic literature review and document study with a specific focus on social science issues.

Judgement and approach
• evaluate the relevance of a research question for a limited study with a focus on systematic literature review and for a document study
• critically evaluate and reflect on quality aspects of scientific data.

Teaching takes place in the form of web-based lectures and individual assignments.

Examination of the takes place through individual assignments and a final individual exam.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable
resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grading scale comprises: Pass (G) and Fail (U).

The course is evaluated in writing. Results and any changes in the structure of the course must be communicated both to the students who completed the evaluation and to the students who will start the course.