SIW4301 Philosophy of Social Science Emneplan

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 on campus and digital lectures, seminars and tutorials related to the coursework requirements. Students are expected to play an active role.

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%).

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. Coursework that is not approved on the second submission will disqualify the student from taking the exam.

The exam in the course is an individual supervised exam of 6 hours.

No aids are permitted.

This course will have a;sociological perspective focusing in particular on archives, libraries and museums, the emergence of the information disseminating profession, institutionalisation and roles.

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

• advanced knowledge of information and culture disseminating institutions, first and foremost archives and libraries and these institutions;values and social roles
• specialist knowledge and understanding of the relationship between the different institutions and how this relationship is influenced;by their;political, demographic, cultural, technological surroundings
• in-depth knowledge about the respective professionals' roles and;practice in the three different types of institution
• in-depth knowledge;of relevant theories from the social sciences such as institutional theory, theory of the public sphere;and cultural theory, as well as theories and methods for assessing and evaluating the usefulness of information and cultural disseminating institutions

Skills The student

• masters relevant theoretical terms and perspectives that are used in research in the field in order to analyse and understand the relevant institutions, their history, development and change processes, etc.
• is capable of reflecting on the;professional practice in archives and libraries
• has developed a knowledge base in relation to the empirical field and to theory and methods that enable them to design and conduct research projects on topics pertaining to;information and culture disseminating institutions
• is capable of leading complex planning processes leading to the ability to update the archives;and libraries';role in relation to social changes

Competence

• The student has the ability to cooperate across information science specialisations