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
2024/2025
Curriculum
SPRING 2025
Schedule
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

The course is combining campus seminars and distant learning. Teaching and learning methods include lectures, workshops and skills training in the form of practical art therapeutic assignments. The course will use varied art-based and student-active learning methods. It includes both personal experiential workshops and professional experiential workshops.

Between the seminars, the students will work with a project assignment that will later be presented and discussed in the group. The results of this project will be presented in the exam.

Learning outcomes

The following coursework must have been approved in order for the student to take the exam:

  • participation in seminars, compulsory attendance of 80 %
  • art therapy project presentation to fellow students and teachers

Course requirements can be conducted in English or in Scandinavian language.

Teaching and learning methods

The teaching takes place through lectures, e-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.

Assessment

Graded scale A-F.

Permitted exam materials and equipment

All exams are assessed by two examiners. External examiner is used regularly.

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