Courses: GEO308 Theory of Science and Research Design for Geographers - Autumn 2022
Credits
10.0Level of Study
Master
Language of Instruction
English
Teaching semester
Autumn
Objectives and Content
This a course in theory of science for both physical and human 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
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
- 5 joint lectures for human and physical geography
- 3 parallel lectures for human and physical geography
Total: 8 lectures (24 hours) 6-8 weeks
- 2 parallel seminars for human and physical geography
- 1 joint seminar for human and physical geography
Total: 3 seminars (6 hours) 3-4 weeks
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Forms of Assessment
Home exam, 5 days
Grading Scale
Grading A-F
Assessment Semester
Assessment in teaching semester
Course Evaluation
All courses are evaluated according to UiB's system for quality assurance of education.
Contact Information
Department of Geography
Studieveileder@geog.uib.no