EPN-V2

SP9230 Intersectionality: Interaction of Social Categories Course description

Course name in Norwegian
Interseksjonalitet: Sosiale kategoriers samspillsdynamikk
Study programme
PhD Programme in Social Sciences
PhD Programme in Social Work and Social Policy
PhD Modules in Social Work and Social Policy
Elective modules from PhD Programme in Social Sciences
Weight
5.0 ECTS
Year of study
2021/2022
Curriculum
FALL 2021
Schedule
Course history

Introduction

Gender, ethnicity, social class, age/generation, functional ability and sexual orientation form the basis for social categories that are part of the power relations and forms of dominance in society today. That also makes them important to the freedom of action of groups and individuals and the way in which they understand themselves and others. It is a challenge in empirical analyses to take into consideration that people belong to many different categories at the same time.

Intersectional approaches make it possible for analyses to identify the many-faceted interactions that can constitute social categories and that social categories can produce. This course includes theoretical perspectives and empirical research that are primarily based on affiliation to one of the relevant categories, as well as scholarly works that make dynamic relationships between category affiliations the focus of their analysis.

Required preliminary courses

No prior knowledge requirements

Learning outcomes

After completing the course, the candidates are expected to have the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

Candidates have

  • knowledge about theoretical perspectives that challenge notions that social categories are substantially uniform
  • knowledge about social and cultural processes that have contributed/contribute to different forms of category construction

Skills

Candidates have

  • an academic basis for conducting complex and dynamic analyses of people's concurrent affiliation to important categories
  • an academic basis for analysing and reflecting on power relations in research and social work activities from an intersectional perspective

General competence

Candidates are capable of

  • assessing and identifying new research questions in the field
  • taking part in debates in national and international forums

Teaching and learning methods

The project assignment deals with complex engineering issues within the field of structural engineering and building technology. The special topics of the assignment are customised in accordance with the focus research area (PhD subject area) of the PhD students. The selected project gives the students experience in applying the theoretical knowledge, scientific methods and suitable simulation, analysis and design tools for solving complex engineering problems.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

Course requirements

Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence (up to 20 %) may only be accepted under certain circumstances and upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.

Assessment

An essay of about 10 pages must be written in connection with the course. The essay must be handed in for assessment by the teacher responsible for the course no later than two months after the last day of the course. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

Seminars, project assignment (scholarly work), scientific report and oral presentation.

Grading scale

Passed- Failed

Examiners

None.

Admission requirements

All aids are permitted.

Course contact person

A project assignment and an oral presentation.

Both exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral exam cannot be appealed.