Theory of Science and Research Design for Geographers

Level of Study

Master

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

None

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.