Vår 2020

REI-3001 Philosophy of Social Science - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for reiseliv og nordlige studier

Type of course

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.

Course contents

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.

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

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)

Objective of the course

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

Language of instruction

English

Teaching methods

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.

Assessment

Coursework: the following coursework requirements must be completed and approved in order to take the final exam

one written home assignment
70% attendance in the lectures

Exam: the exam will consist of

one 4-hour written school exam

The exam will be assessed on an A-F grades scale. Grades are A-E for passed and F for failed.

A re-sit exam will be arranged for this course.

Exam: Individual school exam. Duration: 4 hours.

Grades A - E for passed exam, F for fail.

Possibility of re-sit exam in case of F.