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SYLLABUS
Philosophy of Science for the Humanities and Social Sciences, 7,5 ECTS Credits
 
COURSE CATEGORY   Single Subject Course
MAIN FIELD OF STUDY  
SUBJECT AREA  
  COURSE CODE   720A05
AIM OF THE COURSE
After completion of the course, the student should in an advanced level be able to;
- give an account of central positions in the philosophy of science, especially regarding the humanities and the social sciences
- display an awareness of scientific theories in general and their impact on the humanities and the social sciences
- show an understanding of how the limitations of science and technology play a role for society at large
- display an understanding of how art and science interact and affect each other
- show an improved understanding of the nature of science and the values that are of central importance for scientific practice.
CONTENTS
The course covers topics and problems as the question of what science is, possible differences between science and pseudoscience, different ways to conceive of and historical perspectives on scientific method, the relationship between science and technology and the relationship between the natural sciences and the humanities and the social sciences, as well as the methods used in these disciplines. The course also covers topics as crisis and progress in science, and an analysis of common techniques and methods in art and science. The relationship between biological theories and normative statements about the organization of human affairs is covered, as well as the questions of what kinds of methods and theories may be required to achieve knowledge about human minds.
TEACHING
In the course, central scientific theories are described and discussed. These theories are studied by reading primary sources, combined with seminar discussions. Students are expected to read, analyse and prepare questions about the texts before each seminar. At the beginning of the course, students are to choose a theme within a session, and be prepared to respond to questions about this theme. Seminars and lectures. The seminars are mandatory. Language of instruction: English
EXAMINATION
The course examination consists of seminars and written assignments. Active participation in the mandatory seminars is part of the examination. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course two times are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

In order to be admitted to the course, the student must be accepted as a Master or Doctorate level student in the Humanities or Social Sciences at Linköping university. Documented knowledge of English equivalent to Engelska B/Engelska 6; i.e. English as native language or an internationally recognized test, e.g. TOEFL (minimum scores: Paper based 575 + TWE-score 4.5, and internet based 90), IELTS, academic (minimum score: Overall band 6.5 and no band under 5.5), or equivalent.
GRADING
The course is graded on the following scale: Pass with distinction; Pass; Fail.
CERTIFICATE
Course certificate is issued by the Faculty Board on request. The Department provides a special form which should be submitted to the Student Affairs Division.
COURSE LITERATURE
The course literature is decided upon by the department in question.
OTHER INFORMATION
Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus.

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.
 
Philosophy of Science for the Humanities and Social Sciences
Vetenskapsteori för humaniora och samhällsvetenskap
 
Department responsible
for the course or equivalent:
IKK - Department of Culture and Communication
           
Registrar No: 2011-00254   Course Code: 720A05      
    Exam codes: see Local Computer System      
Subject/Subject Area :          
           
Level   Education level     Subject Area Code   Field of Education  
A1X   Advanced level       HU  
The syllabus was approved by the Board of Faculty of Arts and Science 2011-04-26