COURSE SYLLABUS
Theory of Science, 7.5 credits
Vetenskapsteori, 7,5 högskolepoäng
Course Syllabus for students Autumn 2020
Course Code: | FHVET37 |
Confirmed by: | Director of Education Jun 2, 2020 |
Valid From: | Autumn 2020 |
Version: | 2 |
Education Cycle: | Third-cycle level |
Research subject: | |
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)
After completing the course, students should be able, within the areas below, to:
Knowledge and understanding
- demonstrate familiarity with and broad knowledge of the theories of science
- in an in-depth manner, reflect upon and problematize the choice of research methods in relation to different scientific starting points.
Skills and abilities
- demonstrate the ability to use in-depth scientific analysis and independent critical investigation and assessment of theoretical scientific assumptions
- constructively analyse and critically investigate their own research and that of others from a scientific theory perspective.
Judgement and approach
- show in-depth insight into and evaluate the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and people’s responsibility for how it is used.
Contents
- traditions, key concepts and approaches in phiosophy of science
- positivism, Popper and paradigm
- social constructionism, critical realism and feminism
- contemporary debates in philosophy of science
- distinction between ontology, epistemology and methodology.
Type of instruction
The course is comprised of lectures and seminars. The course is performed every three terms, every other time on campus in Swedish and every other time web-based in English.
The teaching is conducted in English.
Prerequisites
To be enrolled in the course the student should have 240 credits, 60 of which should be at the advanced level, including a written paper of 15 credits.
Examination and grades
The course is graded Fail (U) or Pass (G).
The course examination is comprised of individually written papers and opponenthsip.
The course examiner is an associate professor or professor.
Other information
Attendance in seminars is mandatory.
The course is run as part-time study unless otherwise stated.
Selection- Students registered in the Research School of Health and Welfare
- Students registered in researcher education from another seat of learning
- Other applicants: credits (with equal credits, drawing of lots)
Course literature
Alvesson, M., & Sköldberg, K. (2009). Reflexive methodology: New vistas for qualitative research. London: Sage.
Belenky, M.F., Tarule, J.M., Goldberger, N.R., & Clinchy, B.M. (1997). Women's Ways of Knowing: The Development of Self, Voice, and Mind. New York: Basic Books.
Hacking, I. (2000). The social construction of what? Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Danermark, B., Ekström, M., Jakobsen, L., Karlsson, J. Ch. (2006). Explaining society: critical realism in the social science. London: Routledge.
Ladyman, J. (2001). Understanding philosophy of science. London: Routledge.
Further scientific articles and reports may be added.