KF-616 Philosophy of science and research methods (Spring 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 5
- Responsible department:
- Faculty of Fine Arts
- Course Leaders:
-
- Tormod Wallem Anundsen
- Helene Illeris
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn and Spring
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, candidates will have:
- Knowledge of the research-historical background of theories, methods, and investigations that can be incorporated into their dissertation work.
- The ability to justify the scientific status and limitations of their own dissertation project from relevant scientific theoretical positions and methodological perspectives.
- The ability to navigate international articles and reports where scientific perspectives and methods are applied - including those different from the ones they use themselves.
Contents
The course emphasizes the fundamental theoretical and methodological foundations of scholarly work. Various scientific paradigms and methodological approaches are introduced, and the interplay between science and society is addressed. Furthermore, the course focuses on topics that provide doctoral candidates with knowledge of methods for generating research material and a critical and analytical approach to both practice and theory. The course will also include an introduction to research ethics as well as discussions of problem formulation and its theoretical foundations within the philosophy of science.
Teaching and learning methods
The course is obligatory. The teaching will be organised in the form of 2-3 gatherings of lectures, seminars, presentations of papers with comments, and practical exercises.
The course can be combined with KF615 Research Perspectives in the Arts.
Examination requirements
- An approved outline for a paper of maximum 3 pages. The outline must be presented at one of the sessions.
- Candidates must provide a prepared commentary on another Ph.D. candidate’s outline at one of the sessions.
Examinations
Individual philosophy of science theoretical and/or methodological paper with a scope of maximum 12 pages, comprising 2400 characters with spaces, not including references and bibliography.
If the paper is assessed as a fail, a reason for this will be provided, as well as advice with regard to making improvements, and a new submission deadline given. The submitted paper will be assessed by the person with course responsibility and an external examiner. Assessed with the grade: pass/fail.