Theory of social and cultural sciences, 7.5 credits

Aim

The course is open for third cycle (doctoral) students from all subjects within the faculty of Human Sciences. It serves to illustrate the creation of knowledge within human sciences, history of doctrine, major directions of philosophy of science and key epistemological questions. An important aim is to provide such an understanding of the epistemological foundations that the participants' own dissertation project can be based on good scientific basis.

Course objectives

After completing this course the student will be able to:

- To present and explain the main features of influential scientific theoretical schools of thought.
- Respond critically to the various epistemological approaches.
- Relate and compare the different epistemological approaches to each other.
- Independently and critically relate the different epistemological approaches to research in the student's subject area.

Content

The course deals with epistemological problems of particular relevance to the human sciences. This includes the study of influential scientific theoretical schools of thought and comparisons between human scientific disciplines of scientific traditions. An important element of the course is also the critical discussion of various epistemological doktrines implications for human science research. The course covers various scientific philosophical approaches such as logical positivism, social constructivism, hermeneutics, phenomenology, critical thinking. The course concludes with discussion of the current epistemological issues such as interpretation theory, discourse theory, narrative theory, structuration theory, etc. The course also addresses issues of recognized knowledge versus pseudo-knowledge.

Entry requirements

To be admitted to the course the candidate should be enrolled in a third cycle (doctoral) program. A candidate permanently employed at Mid Sweden University can be offered a place on third cycle (doctoral) courses with vacancies, provided the requirement for eligibility and other conditions have been fulfilled and that the person participates in the course within the terms of his/her employment.
(Äldre gymnasiebetyg)

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

This course is held as a part-time course with a total of five meeting times. The meetings include lectures, but each time a seminar will also discuss a number of contributions from the literature. For each of these elements is appointed as a rule, a discussion leader who is responsable, but the other participants are expected to prepare comments for the various operations relating to the literature, each of which worked with. The closing session is an examination session with a report of written assignments. The course language will be either Swedish or English.

Examination form

The course is examined both in writing and orally. Approved Course achievement requires a regular and active participation in seminars with prepared comments around the treated literature. Assumed participants present at least 80% of the time. For a passing grade performance is also required to write and defend a course-pm and the performance of an opposition role. Examination will be in either Swedish or English. The course participants have the right to submit written examination assignments in Swedish.

Grading system

Fail (U) or Pass (G)