Studyinfo subject SIW4400 2019 HØST
SIW4400 Understanding Citizens' Encounters with the Welfare State: Structures, Institutions and Actors Course description
- Course name in Norwegian
- Understanding Citizens' Encounters with the Welfare State: Structures, Institutions and Actors
- Study programme
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Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning barnevern, deltid / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning barnevern / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning sosialt arbeid, deltid / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning sosialt arbeid
- Weight
- 10.0 ECTS
- Year of study
- 2019/2020
- Schedule
- Programme description
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Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning barnevern, deltid / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning barnevern / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning sosialt arbeid, deltid / Masterstudium i sosialfag - studieretning sosialt arbeid
- Course history
-
Introduction
One of the big controversies in the social sciences is how to model the relations between social structure, institutions and actors. This course provides an overview of some of these theories, with a focus on variants deriving from realist traditions.
The course covers theories that emphasize a focus on individual, rational actors, those applying structural and functionalist explanatory models, those that emphasize social reproduction and feedback mechanisms in society to those cultural and phenomenological traditions that emphasize social construction and interactional processes.
The module provides training in how to apply select theories to analysis of empirical evidence when studying and interpreting phenomena within social welfare and health policy research.
Required preliminary courses
None
Learning outcomes
A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge
The student has
- advanced knowledge of a series of social theories of institutions and actors
- insight into how to critically assess these theories and their arguments
- thorough knowledge of how the theories may be applied to research analyses
- practical knowledge of how s/he may apply one or more of these theories in the master's thesis
Skills
The student
- is able to identify and discuss different social theories
- can identify how practical research analyses may be conducted using these theories
- can critically discuss the empirical implications of particular social theories
General Competence
The student
- has achieved general competence for doing independent research
- can contribute to innovative thinking and competence in transferring knowledge and skills to new areas
- can apply social theories in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects
Teaching and learning methods
The course will comprise a mix of lecture, discussions and hands-on exercises. Students will end the course with an exercise in which they apply one of the theories learned to their own research study, in the form of a course presentation. There will be a meeting set aside for student presentations.
Course requirements
Students must deliver a presentation in one of the two final meetings, with a feedback from lectureres and classmates. The presentation serves as the homework assignment that students must complete in order to sit for the final exam.
Students are expected to attend lectures and to participate actively in discussions and assigned work groups during the course.
Assessment
The assessment consists of an individual 7 days written home exam of 3000 words +/- 10%.
Permitted exam materials and equipment
All referenced material allowed.
Grading scale
Students are awarded grades on a descending scale from A to E for pass and F for fail.
Examiners
An external examiner will grade a random sample consisting of at least 25 per cent of the homework. The grades given for this sample provide a basis for internal examiners who will be grading the other exams. External examiners will also be utilized to grade an exam when there is doubt about giving the exam a passing grade.
Course contact person
Rune Halvorsen