Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to support your research process and to develop your analytical skills in research-related reading, writing, and thinking. The course offers an opportunity to use basic philosophical tools in identifying the main normative and conceptual features of different research approaches. 

Credits: 6

Schedule: 13.09.2023 - 13.12.2023

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Matti Häyry

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The themes touched upon during the course include the ethical and rhetorical dimensions of the social sciences; the normative underpinnings of social research, business studies, and moral and political philosophy; the main features of universalist and positional approaches to research; and views of reality as a natural phenomenon and as a social construction. 

Assessment Methods and Criteria
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    1. Preliminary literature exam during the first session on the first Wednesday of teaching period I. 2. Participation in sessions and excursions. A 3. Homework literature to be discussed during the course sessions. 4. Facilitation of a discussion, possibly with 1-2 other participants, on a homework topic. 5. Two presentations of your research topic.

Workload
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Participation in online teaching 

DETAILS

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Study methods:
    The Independent and Extra work consists of preparing a group presentation and two
    presentations of one's own doctoral work. Student experience has been that this is on
    the average level of workloads for doctoral courses.
    • Evaluation criteria (en) :
    1. Preliminary literature exam during the first session on the first Wednesday of
    teaching period I. Assessment: Pass / Fail. This cannot be compensated by other
    assignments. Literature: John Stuart Mill, The Logic of the Moral Sciences (also known
    as A System of Logic book VI; the eight edition of 1872 is preferable). Questions will
    test your understanding of the main points of each chapter. You will answer two of
    three stated questions. Literature, notes, and internet searches are allowed during the
    exam.
    2. Participation in sessions and excursions. Assessment: Pass / Fail. Participants
    need to attend the events and show active interest in discussions.
    3. Homework literature to be discussed during the course sessions. Assessment:
    Pass / Fail. Participants have to show their familiarity with the materials during
    discussions.
    4. Facilitation of a discussion, possibly with 1-2 other participants, on a homework
    topic. Assessment: Pass / Fail.
    5. Two presentations of your research topic.