SFF5000 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

Philosophy of Social Science is the study of philosophical knowledge and activity. The course discusses the philosophy of social science's basis and raises questions that are relevant for professional social work and the work on the master's thesis. Relevant topics are the role of values in research, objectivity, realism/social constructivism, evidence-based politics, essential features of social reality, criteria for interpretation, use of models and causal conclusions.             

The course includes the analysis and discussion of relevant social research. The course is closely related to other courses on the master's programme and the development of the master's thesis.

None.

After completing the course, the students are expected to have achieved the following knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student has:

• in-depth insight into key philosophy of science topics that are relevant for the social sciences
• advanced knowledge of theories and terms that make it possible to systematically reflect on social scientific activities and social work practice
• in-depth understanding of the theoretical basis for quantitative and qualitative methods

Skills

The student is capable of:

• analysing and discussing social research using key philosophy of science terms and theory
• analysing and assessing philosophy of science positions in social science literature
• considering and discussing the philosophy of science basis for their own research projects
• developing an analysis strategy with a consistent epistemology

Competence

The student has:

• a sound understanding of the relationship between research and theories of research
• a well developed ability to question the basis of research results

The course is taught over one semester. The teaching methods used are lectures, e-lectures and discussion/group work/supervision relating to coursework requirements.

The student must write an assignment of 2,500 words (+/- 10%). The assignment can be either a) a syllabus-related philosophy of science analysis and at least one research case that is relevant for a planned master's degree project, or b) a syllabus-related philosophy of science analysis and an assessment of the student's own master's degree project -the condition is that the master's degree project is adequately defined, or c) a discussion of terms, theories or issues from the syllabus literature with reference to social research examples or social care practice. The basis for the semester assignment must be approved by the lecturer.        

If the finished semester assignment is not approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit the improved version once. The semester assignment must be approved before the student can take the exam.

Students will take an individual six-hour supervised written exam.

None. Students can apply to use a bilingual dictionary.

A grade scale with grades from A to E for pass and F for fail is used.

One internal and one external examiner are used. External examiners are used in cases of doubt about whether a pass grade should be awarded and for a sample of approx. 25 % of the answer papers. The committee will form the basis for the grading of all exam papers.