EPN-V2

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
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Study Option International Social Welfare and Health Policy
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care, part-time
Master Programme in Applied Social Sciences - Programme Option Child Care
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
2019/2020
Programme description
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

This course is dedicated to qualitative research tools and analysis. We give particular attention to methodological reflection.

We try out several methods of gathering information on one research question. The "data" will then be used when trying out different modes of analysis. We want the students to pay special attention to the links between a research question and a research design.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

None.

Grading scale

A student who has completed his or her qualification has the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge and skills:

Knowledge

The student has

  • thorough knowledge of the research process
  • advanced knowledge of qualitative research designs: their appropriate use as well as strengths and limitations
  • advanced conceptual tools to be applied in discussing, evaluating, and exploring social phenomena.

Skills

The student can

  • relate research processes to scientific theory and ethical principles
  • apply research methods in a reflective manner and appropriately choose methods that are relevant for different kinds of research questions
  • use relevant methods for producing, analysing and interpreting diverse types of empirical data (e.g. interviews, case-studies and visual data)
  • evaluate research based on qualitative methodologies in terms of methodological quality and appropriateness

Examiners

The course consists of lectures and study groups.

For every lecture, there are seminars where study groups work with practical exercises and have group discussions. These seminars will be supervised on demand.

Course contact person

Students must take part in at least three practical exercises and contribute to their groups reflection at the end of the course. The coursework requirement is a 15 minute oral presentation, presented by the group. The presentation can be anything from a presentation of results from that groups work, to presenting the most interesting group discussion or reflection on course related topics.

Attendance during group presentation is mandatory, and presentations must be approved by the course lecturer. Students who are not present or that have not provided input to the group, and presentations that are not approved, will have to submit an alternative qualification to be able to sit for the examination.

Lack of an approved course work requirement will disqualify the student from taking part in the final examination.