Course - Examen philosophicum for Social Sciences - EXPH0200
Examen philosophicum for Social Sciences
Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.
About
About the course
Course content
The course is an introduction to issues within theory of knowledge and science, ethics, and political philosophy. Different views of nature, humanity, and technology are discussed, in addition to questions concerning the relation between individual and society. The course provides knowledge of perspectives on science and contributes to a reflective relation to scientific practice and application of scientific knowledge. Dialogue- and discussion-based teaching cultivates critical thinking, and promotes skills in argumentation and cooperation. The course also contributes to a critical attitude toward sources, and to the further development of writing skills.
Examen philosophicum for Social Sciences contributes to the students' ability to reflect on scientific knowledge formation with emphasis on social scientific perspectives. Students will also learn how to recognize and discuss ethical questions related to present-day challenges of special relevance to their own disciplinary or professional practice.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
The candidate has
- knowledge of analysis and assessment of argumentation, as well as central concepts from argumentation theory
- familiarity with basic theories of knowledge, and with what distinguishes scientific knowledge from other forms of knowledge
- knowledge of topics within theory of science of special relevance to social sciences
- knowledge of distinctions between different types of sciences
- knowledge of different theories and views of humanity, culture, and nature
- knowledge of different views of the relation between individual and community within social and political theory
- knowledge of main types of ethical thinking, and of ethical and societal problems and issues within ones own discipline or profession
Skills
The candidate can
- discuss the significance of theories and concepts in social scientific thinking and research practice
- discuss problems and issues in light of different views of knowledge, science, ethics, and politics
- reflect critically on different conceptions of value and humanity, and relate this to one's own discipline and professional practice
- identify and discuss ethical challenges related to ones own discipline or profession
- argue independently, to the point and systematically about topics treated in the course, based on principles for critically evaluating sources
General competencies
The candidate can
- relate to and apply scientific knowledge critically and constructively
- reflect on the societal role of the sciences
- contribute to good and reflective cooperation
- express oneself with precision, structure, and sound reasoning
Learning methods and activities
The course consists of lectures and seminars. The lectures present the main lines of the curriculum and provide an overview of the central themes of the course. The seminars are group-based work on assigned tasks and exercises under supervision.
Compulsory assignments: To be eligible to take the exam, 80% attendance at seminars is required, as well as approval of up to two submissions, with at least one being a group assignment.
All compulsory activity must be approved in one and the same semester. It is not possible to carry over parts of compulsory activity to a new semester.
If all compulsory assignments have been approved in EXPH0200 a previous semester, it can be approved by the department.
Note that NTNU has several different variants of exphil. It is not possible to take the exam in a variant/subject code other than the one in which the compulsory assignments have been approved
See the Canvas pages of the course for details about compulsory assignments.
Compulsory assignments
- Obligatory activities
Further on evaluation
4-hour school exam under supervision.
No support material is allowed.
Please note that the examination arrangement will be new from autumn 2026. Previously completed assessments and/or assessment components in the course cannot be combined with the new examination arrangement.
Specific conditions
Admission to a programme of study is required:
Archives, Museums and Records Management (LTARKIV)
Child Protection and Child Welfare (HSGBVB)
Clinical Psychology Programme (CPSYR)
Education (BPED)
Ethics (ÅETIKK)
European Studies (BEUROP) - some programmes
Geography (BGEOG)
Geography with Teacher Education, years 8 - 13 (MLGEOG)
Philosophy and Ethics (BFI) - some programmes
Physical Education and Sport with Teacher Education, years 8 - 13 (MLKIDR)
Political Science (BPOL)
Psychology (BPSY)
Psychology (ÅPSY)
Religious Studies (BRVI)
Social Anthropology (BSANT)
Social Science and Sport Sciences (BSAMIDR)
Social Science with Teacher Education, years 8 - 13 (MLSAM)
Social Work (HSGSOB)
Sociology (BSOS)
Recommended previous knowledge
None
Required previous knowledge
Requires admission to specific study programmes at NTNU
Course materials
The curriculum is available on examen philosophicum's web page (http://www.ntnu.no/exphil) and the Canvas pages of the course.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| EXPH0001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0002 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0003 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0004 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0005 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0006 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH6001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0100 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0300 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0400 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0500 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| EXPH0350 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2021 |
| EXPH0550 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2021 |
| EXPH0600 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2023 |
| EXPH0650 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2024 |
| EXPH0450 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Examen Philosophicum