EPN-V2

SFF5000 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Vitenskapsteori
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
Master in Applied Social Sciences: Programme Option Family Therapy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Family Therapy, part time
Master in Programme Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Elective modules, Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Social Work
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2025/2026
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

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, realism/social constructivism, evidence-based practice and politics, essential features of social reality, criteria for interpretation, causal reasoning.

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.

Language of instruction is Norwegian.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defines in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

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

Competence

The student can

  • discuss the relationship between research and theories of research
  • analyse the basis for research results

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus through lectures, feedback on work requirements and study groups.

Course requirements

The following required coursework must be approved in order for the student to take the exam:

  • Coursework 1: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).
  • Coursework 2: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).
  • Coursework 3: Essay of 500 words (+-10%).

Each essay discusses relevant themes from the curriculum, with a possibility also to relate to master thesis project or other research examples. A list of topics to choose from will be available at the start of the course.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline in order for the student to take the exam. If one or more coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given the opportunity to submit an improved version one time by the given deadline. Coursework that is not approved on the second submission will disqualify the student from taking the exam.

Assessment

The exam in the course is an individual supervised exam of 6 hours.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

No aids are permitted.

Grading scale

Grade scale A-F.

Examiners

The exam is graded by an internal and an external examiner.

A random selection consisting of at least 25 % of the exam papers will be graded by both an internal and external examiner. This will inform the grading of the remaining exam papers.

Course contact person

Dag Jenssen

Jorunn Vindegg