Table of contents

The course is connected to the following study programs

Prerequisites

There is a requirement that the PhD candidate should have prerequisite knowledge equivalent to the philosophy of science and methodology courses ME-406 or KF-402 from the master’s programmes in Fine Arts at UiA.

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 the dissertation work
  • the ability to justify the scientific status and limitations of their own dissertation project from relevant positions in the philosophy of science and methodological perspectives
  • the ability to navigate international articles and reports that apply scientific perspectives and methods – including those different from the ones they themselves use

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 Art.

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.

Student evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:14:08 PM