Welcome to "Theory of Science for the Human Sciences" at Dalarna University

The first part of the course consists in an advanced introduction to the theory of science including research ethics. The purpose is to provide a framework for the human sciences from which their scientific specificity can be appreciated.

The second part of the course addresses some central theoretical areas within the human sciences. The purpose is to develop the ability to discern the assumptions and the commitments at stake in theoretical positions and methodological choices in order to better assess the findings of other researchers as well as to argue for our own.

Teaching consists in one lecture and one seminar per week, one hour each. Normally the lecture is Monday am and the seminar Thursday pm, but there are some exceptions.

Handouts in the form of compendia of extracts from the relevant authors exemplifying the positions and perspectives covered in the lectures will be available at Learn.

After the lecture, there will be a short assignment consisting in some simple questions to hand in individually the same day. The purpose of this assignment is to ascertain the mastery of certain key concepts, the exercise of certain skills and to initiate reflection.

Concise materials or questions for the seminar will be published the day after the lecture assignment is handed in (normally Tuesday morning). Students should prepare the seminar on their own and by discussing together in smaller groups (special Zoom rooms will be provided) and then present the result of their discussions at the seminar.

The final examination consists in an essay on a given topic.

Here you can find a preliminary schedule for the course.

Schedule.docx

Here you can find the reading list.

Readings.docx

Learning Outcomes

• systematically explain concepts, methods and theories from within the general theory of science as well as the theory of science from the human sciences,
• discuss fundamental issues from the field of human sciences and reflect upon the place the human sciences have among other sciences,
• critically evaluate theoretical positions and empirical results in field of the human sciences,
• reflect upon and argue for research findings in the human sciences,
• make appropriate assessments relating to research ethics with regard to research questions within the human sciences.

Course Content

The course covers key concepts, methods, theories and problems within the theory of science in general and the human sciences in particular. Issues covered include the origin of meaning, the justification of interpretations, knowledge of other minds, the redundancy or impossibility of intercultural understanding, how to do justice to individual and cultural differences, the implications of the contingency of human institutions, the question of whether truth is relative or absolute, the ethical norms for research, and the difference between the natural sciences and the human sciences.

Assessment

Assessment is based on seminar participation, written assignments and a minor essay.

Forms of Study

The course consists of lectures and mandatory seminars. Instruction language is English.

Grades

The Swedish grades A–F (6–0 points at Learn).

Plagiarism

Is strictly prohibited.

Teachers

Palle Leth (PL) & Roger Melin (RM).

Communication

The teachers should be contacted via email. Their email addresses are available at Learn.

Zoom

Teaching takes place on Zoom. Zoom rooms of the teachers and for the pre-seminar discussions will be available at Learn.

Evaluation

The students will be given the opportunity to evaluate the course after its completion.

	Course Syllabus			Contact information
	Reading List			Palle Leth Course Coordinator plt@du.se
				Palle Leth Teacher plt@du.se
				Roger Melin Teacher rme@du.se