University of St Andrews - Scotland's first university, founded 1413

Module Catalogue

For information on which modules are specific to your programme, please see : Programme requirements index 2019-2020.

Curricular information may be subject to change.

SS5102 Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences

Academic year(s): 2019-2020

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm Wed

This seminar-based module will introduce you to the basic theoretical approaches in the social sciences, encourage you to make connections between the methodological and epistemological issues involved in conducting social scientific research, and inspire you to reflect critically on your own experience. The module will cover modern philosophy's historical evolution, positivism, feminism, critical theory and post-structuralism among other topics. Assessment will involve one short review and one longer essay.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 2-hour seminar

Scheduled learning hours: 22

Guided independent study hours: 128

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

Re-assessment: 2-hour Written Class Test = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr M B Sothern
Module teaching staff: The School of International Relations
Module coordinator email mbs10@st-andrews.ac.uk