LAS454 East Asian Research Methods

Autumn Semester 2025/26

15 credits

Module Organiser: Anna Vainio (a.vainio@sheffield.ac.uk)

Overview

Research Methods in East Asian Studies will equip students with the tools required to carry out research in China, Japan, Korea or the wider East Asian region at taught postgraduate level. The module includes training in basic research skills related to East Asia; quantitative methods; qualitative methods; ethical and legal issues; and discursive contexts and reflexivity in East Asian research.  

Topics Covered

• Starting your research project: developing a research puzzle and research question (Dr Nathalie Mingboupha)

• Literature review (Dr Peter Matanle)

• Choosing your evidence: data sources and different types of evidence (Nathalie Mingboupha)

• Methods, Methodology, and Ethics (Dr Anna Vainio)

• Case study approaches (Dr Nathalie Mingboupha)

• Textual and discourse analyses (Dr Anna Vainio)

• Social media research (Dr Nathalie Mingboupha + guest)

• Participant facing research (Dr Anna Vainio)  

• Using quantitative data: descriptive statistics and large surveys (Dr Peter Matanle)

Skills Development

Research essays assess students' understanding of the methods discussed in the course, along with their ability to apply these methods critically to address their own research question. The essays also provide an opportunity to assess students' independent research, ability to analyse materials, and writing and presentation skills. Feedback on the essay will suggest ways for improvement 

Study Hours

The University recommends that you spend 150 hours working on a 15-credit module. This will include:

• Lectures 1 hour/week

• Seminars 1 hour/week

• Independent study 126 hours (about 10.5 hours/week for 12 weeks)