Social Science in Context: Historical, Contemporary and Global Perspectives, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of the history and sociology of the social sciences. Its main focus is concerned with the dynamic relationship between social science and society at large, including issues related to themes such as the rise and establishment of the social sciences, gender and power, science and politics, boundaries and disciplinarity, internationalisation and stratification, global power relations and postcolonial perspectives. The aim is to encourage a contextual and reflexive understanding of the changing roles and functions of the social sciences of the past and in today’s globalised world.

The course is structured in two parts. The first part offers an introductory overview of the field and consists of chronologically and thematically organised lectures as well as seminars and individual literature studies. The second part offers an opportunity for the participants to deepen their knowledge around a specific theme related to the course and to the individual interests of the students. The topic is chosen in dialogue with the teachers. The teaching is carried out in the form of tutorials, seminars and ends with a presentation aimed at training the students practical skills.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student:
- will have a deepened knowledge in the area of the history and sociology of the social sciences
- will be able to reflect upon his or her own area of specialisation in the context of the changing roles and functions of the social sciences in historical, sociological and global perspectives
- will be able to write and orally present an academic essay.

Required Knowledge

Univ: Social Work 90 ECTS or Sociology 90 ECTS or Social Policy 90 ECTS or Social Administration 90 ECTS or Social Care 90 ECTS or Education 90 ECTS or Political Science 90 ECTS or Cultural Geography 90 ECTS or Economics 90 ECTS or equivalent eligibility. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A (IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL PBT (Paper-based Test) with a minimum total score of 530 and a minimum TWE score of 4. TOEFL iBT (Internet-based Test) with a minimum total score of 72 and a minimum score of 17 on the Writing Section). Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course content is delivered through lectures, seminars and individual work. All lectures and seminars are held in English, unless all participants have Swedish as their first language.

Examination modes

The examination consists of two parts. Students will write an individual essay on a relevant research question and are expected to hold one presentation. In order to be awarded a Pass grade for the course as a whole, the student must pass both parts of the examination and attend all compulsory sessions as indicated in the course schedule.

Grading decisions are based on an assessment of the individual student’s performance. In case of a student being awarded a “fail” grade, she or he has the right to be re-examined in a form and at a time agreed upon in consultation with the examiner.

Students have the right to be re-examined up to five times per course. Examination and supplementary examination based on the syllabus outlined here can be guaranteed for up to two years after the start of the course. If a student is awarded a “fail” grade on at least two consecutive attempts of the examination of the course or course component, she or he has the right to request a new examiner. The director of studies should be consulted in such circumstances.

Other regulations

Decisions relating to academic credit transfers are made on a case-by-case basis. For further information about this contact the study advisor. See also Umeå University’s set of rules and academic transfer regulations: www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen/examensfrågor.html