Philosophy of Social Science

This course is mandatory for the achievement of the Master of Tourism Studies degree. It is open for other students with a Bachelor's degree.

This course provides an understanding of methodological perspectives and basic philosophical assumptions applied within the social science- and humanities-based contemporary tourism research. Specific attention is paid to philosophical arguments that underpin methological considerations in empirical tourism research. part of the philosophicl arguments includes ethical assumptions and considerations in empirical research and social theory.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree (180 ECTS), or an equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 80 ECTS within tourism, out-door recreation, event studies, marketing and communication, social sciences, humanities or education.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equicalent issued in Europe, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand: An average grade C is a minimum requirement.

International applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent issued in countries other than the above mentioned region/countries: An average grade B is a minimum requirement in addition to fulfilling formal admission requirements for Master's level entry.

Non-EU applicants need to have a Higher Education Entrance Qualification from their home countries and certified fulfilment of English language requirements.

Application code: 9731 (nordic applicants)

Students should obtain the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge: the student should have

• specialized knowledge regarding various ontological and epistemological assumptions applicable to social science research into tourism
• an in-depth knowledge of philosophical assumptions that underpin methodological considerations in tourism-related social science research
• a thorough knowledge of key philosophical notions tha impact on ethical considerations in tourism-related social sciences research, which include critical perspectives.

Skills: the student sholud be able to

• identify ontological and epistemological assumptions associated with tourism-related social sciences research
• explain how philosophical assumptions inflict on methodological designs of tourism research projects
• critically reflect on relationships between philosophical assumptions, methodologies and ethics in tourism research

Competence: the student should be able to

• convey understanding of various ontological and epistemological assumptions in tourism-related social sciences research
• develop methodological frameworks for tourism research based on key philosophical assumptions
• propose ethically balanced approaches to tourism research, which include critical perspectives

Lectures will be given in an intensive mode (classes given in blocks) in spring semester only. The students are expected to work 280 hours.

Teaching will consist of seven lectures (3x45 minutes), which include student involvement in classroom discussions, group and individual tasks. The students, alone or in smaller groups, will give on oral presentation and one set of feedback on another student's presentation.

The course will be evaluated in accordance with the quality systems of UiT - The Arctic University of Norway.

Language of instruction and examination

Re-sit examination