Syllabus

Theoretical Perspectives and Methods in Tourism Studies

Code
TR2004
Points
15 Credits
Level
First Cycle Level 2
School
School of Culture and Society
Subject field
Tourism Studies (TRU)
Group of Subjects
Tourism and Recreation Studies
Disciplinary Domain
Social Science, 100%
This course can be included in the following main field(s) of study
Tourism Studies1
Progression indicator within (each) main field of study
1G2F
Approved
Approved, 30 January 2014.
This syllabus is valid from 12 March 2014.
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Learning Outcomes

The course is separated into three different modules that are examined in turn.

Modules

1.
Key Concepts and Perspectives in Tourism Studies, 5 Credits

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

  • Account for theoretical development and different specializations within the subject of Tourism Stuides.
  • Apply fundamental concepts used within Tourism Studies.
  • Review academic articles and theses.
  • Account for how theoretical concepts and perspectives may be used and connected analytically to quantitative or qualitative empirical material in an article or thesis.

2.
Qualitative Methods, 5 Credits

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
  • Account for the application of different qualitative methods in terms of gathering material, analysis and reporting of results.
  • Account for the application and bases of qualitative methods and the connection between qualitative analysis and the application of theoretical concepts.
  • Perform different types of qualitative work and analysis of empirical material, such as interview narratives, texts and images.
  • Critically assess the relevance of different choices of methods depending on the research questions and theoretical perspectives.
  • Review academic papers and theses in terms of the use of methods.

3.
Quantitative methods, 5 Credits

After completing the course, the student shall be able to:
  • Apply quantitative methods for data collection and analyses and the reporting of the results
  • Account for the use of quantitative methods and their applicability.
  • Critically assess and account for the application of quantitative methods and how they relate to the research problem.
  • Account for how a standardised collection of primary data can be designed.
  • Present analyses cartographically.
  • Evaluate the use of quantitative methods in scientific texts.

Course Content

The course is divided into three modules.

Modules

1.
Key Concepts and Perspectives in Tourism Studies, 5 Credits

This course deals with some central theoretical concepts in Tourism Studies, how it has evolved and its roots in other subjects. Moreover, the course deals with questions about what theory and concepts are and the role of theoretically grounded analysis for the quality of academic work.

2.
Qualitative Methods, 5 Credits

This course deals with qualitative methods with attention to specific characteristics and fields of application of different methods and analytical tools. The course also deals with specific methodological skills in working and analysing qualitative data. Methods that will be discussed are interviews and analysis of interview material, observations and content and discourse analysis of texts and images.

3.
Quantitative methods, 5 Credits

The course aims to familiarize students with the established quantitative methods for describing and analysing data related to tourism. The course includes exercises, the purpose of which is to increase students’ skills in using different methods and choosing methods that are relevant to issues and theoretical perspectives. For spatial data, GIS is used in presentations. The course also provides a deeper study of methods for collecting primary data.

Assessment

Module 1: Seminars and assignments.
Module 2: Assignments, seminars and written paper.
Module 3: Assignments, seminars and written paper.

Forms of Study

Module 1: Lectures and seminars.
Module 2: Lectures, obligatory seminars, and exercises.
Module 3: Obligatory seminars and exercises.

Grades

The Swedish grades A–F.

The grade is set by the examiner and is a weighted evaluation based on the results from all three modules.

Prerequisites

  • 60 hp in tourism studies
  • or equivalent knowledge

Other Information

A maximum of 5 examinations in each module.