EPN-V2

SIW4301 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Philosophy of Social Science
Study programme
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences
Master's Programme in Applied Social Sciences – Study Option Nordic Social Policy and Global Sustainable Development
Weight
10.0 ECTS
Year of study
2021/2022
Curriculum
SPRING 2022
Schedule
Programme description
Course history

Introduction

This course is designed to inform and enrich the material learned in the research methods courses. It combines a descriptive and a normative approach to reflection on social science.

Among topics covered, are the role of values in research, objectivity, realism, social constructivism, social ontology, feminist philosophy of science, evidence-based policy, and causality.

Required preliminary courses

None.

Learning outcomes

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

Knowledge

The student has

  • thorough knowledge of main social science philosophy topics relevant to social welfare and health policy studies
  • knowledge of theories and concepts enabling systematic reflection on social science

Skills

The student can

  • analyse, discuss and evaluate social science from the viewpoint of philosophy of science

General competence

The student has

  • thorough understanding of the relation between actual research and theories about research
  • a well developed understanding of the foundations of research results and design

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching consists of lectures (including electronic lectures), seminars and tutorials related to the coursework requirements. Students are expected to play an active role.

Course requirements

Students must submit four essays on the philosophy of social science (500 Words each).

The four essays are separately awarded a Pass or Fail. A Pass in all of them qualifies for sitting the school exam.

Students whose coursework requirement is not approved may resubmit once. If not approved after two submissions the student will be disqualified from sitting the final school examination.

Assessment

The assessment consists of a six hour school exam.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Students may use a spelling dictionary, as well as a bilingual dictionary during the written school exam.

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