2110.15 - Basic Course in Theory of Science


Course number
2110.15
Title
Basic Course in Theory of Science
ECTS
10
Prerequisites
Secondary education or equivalent qualifications.
Purpose
The purpose of this course is to give the student basic knowledge of philosophy of science and methods.
Content
Basic philosophy of science with an emphasis on the different schools of thought on science (positivism, phenomenology, structuralism, critical realism, social constructivism, pragmatism). Insight into the most common qualitative and quantitative methods in the social sciences (including descriptive statistics), and what connection these have to the different schools of thought within philosophy of science. Additionally the students will be given an introduction to study skills and academic craftsmanship (library skills, using the internet for research, digital journals, academic and reference software).
Learning and teaching approaches
The lessons are organised as lectures, dialogues, groupwork, exercises, and visits to the library.
Learning outcomes
Upon module completion the student will • Be able to plan their own studies so they can get most out of their studies. • Be able to explain the main positions of the schools of thought in philosophy of science that he/she has been taught during the course. • Be able to explain which qualitative and quantitative methodologies there are in the social sciences and history. • Be able to explain and reflect on the connection between philosophy of science and methodology.
Assessment method
Written exam.
Examination
Internal
Marking scale
P-
Bibliography
About 600-800 pages
Contact
Jens Christian Svabo Justinussen