Department of Social & Policy Sciences, Unit Catalogue 2008/09 |
SP20069 Philosophy of the social sciences |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: EX 100% |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take SP10043 and take SP10044 and take SP10059 |
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Aims:
This course aims to demonstrate the significance of different theories of scientific methodology for the social sciences and the distinctive contribution of the interpretivist perspective to sociology and related social sciences. It does this by examining key issues in the philosophy of the social sciences, focusing particularly on the social processes by which knowledge is established and changed. It considers the work of theorists such as Popper, Kuhn, Durkheim, Weber and Winch.
Learning Outcomes: By the end of the unit the students should be able to: * Understand the problematic relevance of natural science models for the social sciences * Critique the concepts of 'truth' and 'objectivity' in relation to scientific methods * Be aware of the substantive and methodological claims of positivist, phenomenological and cultural relativist stances in social science * Understand and critique the contributions of Popper, Kuhn, Durkheim, Weber and Winch to the debate on the nature of social science Skills: Intellectual Skills - * To think creatively and analytically; * To communicate an argument; * To evaluate others' arguments and research; * To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information; * To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.); * To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge; * To synthesise information from a number of sources in order to gain a coherent understanding; * To utilise problem solving skills. Professional Practical Skills - * To effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments. Transferable/Key Skills - * Study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing); * Basic Information and Computing Technology skills (word processing, email, using the web to search for information); * Inter-personal and communication skills; * Essay research, preparation and writing skills; * To construct a bibliography of varying complexity; * Revision and Examination skills; * Time-management and administrative skills; * Presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. oral presentations, seminar and tutorial contributions); * To reflect upon his/her own academic and professional performance and take responsibility for personal and professional learning and development; * To solve problems in a variety of situations; * To manage time effectively and respond to changing demands; * To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills. Content: The course will examine positivist models of scientific method and the interpretivist tradition in sociology: Popper, Kuhn, Durkheim, Winch and Weber. |