Stockholm university
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Research Methods in Fashion Studies

Research Methods in Fashion Studies, 7,5 credits is a mandatory part of Master's Programme in Fashion Studies. Only students admitted to the programme can take this course and are registered by the Department.

This course covers qualitative and quantitative methods applicable to Fashion Studies. In the qualitative part, students are introduced to current research and methods, and choose two methods from the humanities or social sciences or to apply on a set research material. The quantitative part focuses on the collection and description of data, in numerical and graphical form. This part deals mainly with central and deviation measurements as well as correlation analysis. The course includes both qualitative and quantitative methods, such as ethnographic methods incl. observation and interview, visual analysis, text analysis, object analysis, critical theory, collection, presentation, analysis of data with quantitative methods, and critical evaluation of data and data sources.

  • Course structure

    After completing the course, students are expected to be able to:

    Define and describe the qualitative methods that characterizes research in the field of Fashion Studies.
    - Discuss and evaluate the strengths and limitations of different methods.
    - Apply at least two different methods to a set research material.
    - Define the most common statistical measurements.
    - Collect and chart data for in Excel or equivalent software.
    - Characterize a distribution's characteristics with central and deviation measurements.
    - Compile and interpret data in tables and charts, and critically evaluate data.
    - Interpret and assess statistical measurements
    - Perform simple calculations of central measurements, distribution measurements and correlation measurements.

    Teaching format

    Instruction is given in the form of lectures, workshops, and seminars. All course elements are mandatory. The language of instruction is English. For more detailed information, please see the course description.

    Assessment

    The course is examined through individually written take-home assignments. For more detailed information, please see the course description.

    b.) Grades will be set according to a seven-point scale related to the learning objectives of the course:

    A = Excellent
    B = Very good
    C = Good
    D = Satisfactory
    E = Adequate
    Fx= Inadequate
    F = Totally Inadequate

    c.) Written grading criteria are announced when the course begins.

    d.) In order to pass the course, students must receive a grade E minimum on all mandatory assignments and attend at least 80% of classes. Exceptions to the attendance rule are made in case of illness or under other special circumstances. The student may then be required to submit a supplementary assignment.

    Assignments not submitted on time cannot receive higher grades than D. Exceptions are made in case of illness or under other special circumstances.

    e.) For each course occasion, at least two opportunities for examination must be offered during the same semester. At least one examination opportunity shall also be given during semesters or years when the course is not offered. Students with a passing grade (E or higher) may not retake the exam for a higher grade. Students who receive the grade Fx or F twice by the same examiner are entitled to have another examiner appointed for the next examination, unless there are particular reasons to deny students this right. Such requests should be made to the Department Board. The completion of a supplementary assignment in order to convert the grade Fx into a passing grade on the home assignment may be permitted if the student is close to meeting the criteria for a passing grade.

    f.) The supplementary assignment should be submitted within a week of the examiner notifying the student of the need to complete a supplementary assignment. Adequate corrections of flaws in the assignment related to understanding – minor misunderstandings, minor inaccuracies or too limited argumentation – can only receive grades D or E.

    Examiner

    Examiners

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
  • Contact

    Student Affairs Office - Master Programme