SIW4301 Philosophy of Social Science Course description

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.

Language of instruction is English

None.

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

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

Language of instruction: Norwegian

The purpose of this course is to enable the students to describe and assess theoretical and research-based knowledge as the basis for understanding children’s movement development and motor learning. The course provides a theoretical foundation for critical reflection on assessment and the use of outcome measures in treatment and habilitation, health promotion and preventive work. Children, adolescents and their families’ involvement in assessment and goal setting is a key aspect of the course.

The student must have been admitted to the Master’s Degree Programme in Health Sciences and hold authorisation as a physiotherapist.

It is assumed that the student has or will obtain access to physiotherapy work with children/adolescents during the programme.

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

Knowledge

The student

• can describe key theoretical perspectives on children and adolescents’ movement development and motor learning
• can assess and analyse typical and atypical movement development
• can describe choices and use of outcome measures as the basis for describing motor function and identifying functional difficulties
• can describe what forms the basis of goal setting in physiotherapy

Skills

The student

• can apply relevant theory in the analysis of children and adolescents’ movement, activity and participation
• can apply and critically reflect on the use of assessment instruments in clinical practice and research
• can integrate theory, research, experience-based knowledge, the user perspective and principles in family-centred services when assessing children’s development, function and life situation
• can identify and analyse professional and ethical dilemmas in the process of assessing children and adolescents.

General competence

The student

• can analyse and critically reflect on how different understandings of children and childhood can have consequences for physiotherapists’ work
• can assess and critically reflect on the knowledge-basis for different measures and interventions in physiotherapy practice
• can identify and analyse professional and ethical dilemmas in connection with examination and mapping processes

None.

Individual project examination in the form of a topic chosen by the student that is developed during the course. Scope: 3,000 words (+/- 10%).

Resit examination: If the student is awarded the grade F (fails the written assignment), he/she will be given one (1) opportunity to submit a reworked version.

All aids are permitted, as long as the rules for source referencing are complied with.