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Course syllabus - Research review

Scope

15.0 credits

Course code

SKA318

Valid from

Autumn semester 2026

Education level

Second cycle

Progressive Specialisation

A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)

Main area(s)

Political Science

Organisation

Department of Social Sciences and Humanities

Ratified

2025-12-18

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

Objectives

The course aims to equip students with the ability to conduct a research review within the field of political science. This includes identifying, analyzing, and systematizing relevant literature within a given theme, as well as identifying patterns, weaknesses and areas in need of further research.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding:

  1. Exhibit in-depth knowledge of research within a delimited and politically relevant area of political science.
  2. Exhibit understanding of the methodologies of different types of research reviews.

    Skills and Abilities:
  3. Systematically search for, select, analyze, and synthesize information from scientific publications relevant to the chosen field of research.
  4. Identify patterns, gaps, and areas in need of further research within the chosen research field.
  5. The ability to present and critically discuss their own and others’ work, both orally and in writing.

    Judgement and Approach:
  6. Critically assess and evaluate the studies included in the research review, with particular attention to their methodological quality, theoretical foundations, and relevance to the chosen research area.

Course content

The course promotes a deepend understanding of a specific area of political science research as well as of divergent approaches used to review previous research.


Students are introduced to critical and interpretive research reviews, as well as systematic reviews, meta-studies, and bibliometric analysis.
Thereafter, students independently conduct research reviews within a self-chosen research area, with support from supervisors through group supervision.
The course ends with the presentation and discussion of the students’ research reviews at a seminar with designated discussants.

Specific requirements

A completed Bachelor’s degree from an institution of higher education of three years or more, equivalent to at least 180 credits and with a major in the field of political science or an equivalent academic field. In addition Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3 and English course 6 or English level 2 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course 3 or Swedish level 3.

Examination

PM01, Memorandum, 12,5 credits, grade: Pass with distinction (VG), Pass (G), Failed (U). Learning outcome: 1-6.

SEM1, Seminar, 2,5 credits, grade: Pass (G) or Fail (U). Learning outcome: 1-6.

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.

Grade

Three-grade scale