Theory of Science and Research Design for Geographers

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

This a course in theory of science for geographers. Through this course students should get insights in, and be able to critically reflect upon, theory or philosophy of science perspectives and concepts and their implications for research design, as well as perspectives on the relation between science and society. The course aims to enable students to use such insights and critical reflections in their own work.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

  • has knowledge of basic theory or philosophy of science perspectives and concepts and their implications for research design
  • has knowledge about different perspectives on the relation between science and society

Skills

The student

  • can critically reflect upon different perspectives in philosophy or theory of science relevant for their own work and for the discipline of geography
  • can formulate academic arguments based on different epistemological positions or perspectives
  • can outline the implications of different perspectives in philosophy or theory of science for research design

General competence

The student

  • can critically reflect upon philosophy or theory of science aspects and societal aspects of his/hers own research and academic area of expertise, including when communicating across disciplines or societal domains
  • can critically reflect upon the relation between science/expertise and society

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Required Previous Knowledge
Knowledge about geography's history of ideas.
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
  • GEO301 (10 ECTS)
  • GEO302 (10 ECTS)
Access to the Course
Master's Programme in Geography (MASV-GEOG), Master's Programme in Geographies of Sustainable Development (MASV-MEHA) or Master`s Programme in Physical Geography(MASV-PHYG).
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures:

  • 3 joint lectures
  • 4 parallel lectures based on specialisation
  • Total: 7 lectures (14 hours) 7 weeks

Seminars:

  • 3 parallel seminars based on specialisation
  • Total: 3 seminars (6 hours) 3 weeks
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
  • Attendance in 3 seminars
  • 1 seminar presentation

The compulsory activities must be approved in order to take the exam. Approved compulsory activities are valid in the current and following two semesters.

Forms of Assessment

Home exam, 5 days

The exam will be given in the language in which the course is taught.

The exam can be submitted in English, Norwegian, Swedish or Danish

Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Assessment Semester

Assessment in teaching semester.

A retake exam is arranged for students with valid absence according to UiB study regulations § 5-5.

If there is a retake exam for students with valid absence, all students with valid compulsory activity can sign up for the retake exam. If you have the right to take a retake exam and a retake exam is arranged for students with valid absences, you can sign up yourself in Studentweb after January 15.

Reading List
The reading list will be ready before 1 July for the autumn semester.
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Programme Committee
The Programme Committee is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the programme and courses.
Course Administrator
The Department of Geography at the Faculty of Social Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course.