University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: TBC

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

Intended learning outcomes

• understand the philosophical assumptions underlying their social science research
• critically assess the suitability of different methodologies for their research in terms of their underlying ontological and epistemological assumptions
• critically read and assess the use of social scientific evidence and conclusions in civil society discourses
• appreciate the political and ethical ramifications of drawing upon certain kinds of social science methodologies