Course content

Insights into theory of science and methodology are basic premises for understanding, assessing, problematizing and conducting educational research independently. Educational research draws on perspectives and approaches from a wide spectrum of disciplinary traditions as well as research traditions, and this course provides the opportunity for different types of master’s projects and prepares the candidates for conducting independent research. The course includes thinking about and engaging with relevant theories of science encompassing perspectives from history, philosophy and sociology, and emphasizes the connection between ontology, epistemology, methodology and research methods. This puts the candidates in the position to make informed choices about specific approaches in their own master’s projects. The course also contributes knowledge about the relationship between research, the researcher, the discipline and the society, and it develops the candidates’ critical and ethical awareness in the context of research. Central to the course is work on the master’s thesis, with a focus on how to structure and present the thesis as well as proper use of referencing styles.

The course consists of one general component and one specialized component which opens for a closer study of relevant methodological topics connected to the candidate’s own research interests.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The candidate

• has advanced knowledge about central developments and discussions in the history of theory of science
• has advanced knowledge about different research traditions and philosophical, historical, and sociological perspectives within theory of science which are relevant to the subject
• has advanced knowledge about basic methodologies and procedures in educational research
• has advanced knowledge about terminology and the use of specialized vocabulary within various research fields and research traditions
• has detailed knowledge about relevant ethical problems, principles and guidelines

Skills

The candidate

• can discuss and reflect on different aspects of research traditions and scientific paradigms which are relevant in educational research
• can identify and discuss connections between scientific theory and method
• can develop researchable questions which are relevant to the field of study and conduct independent investigations
• can assess, select and justify relevant methodological approaches in their own master’s projects
• can understand, assess and problematize their own and other’s research and have a critical approach to sources of knowledge

General knowledge

The candidate

• can apply insights from theories of science and methodologies in new areas
• can present results from their own and others’ research
• can assess limitations and possibilities in different research methods, in research and in the profession
• can reflect on ethical aspects in research and the profession

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, individual work, group work and oral presentations

Compulsory assignments

• Obligatory coursework according to the course description

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Completed 30 ECTS at master’s level in Norwegian didactics or English didactics.

Required previous knowledge

The candidate must have successfully passed English 1 or Norwegian 1 and completed English 2 or Norwegian 2 to begin Cycle 2 courses. "Passing" is understood as the student completing the course and passing the examination. "Completed" is understood as having all obligatory coursework approved and qualifying the student for the course examination.

Course materials

The syllabus consists of literature (books, articles) in Scandinavian languages as well as English. The reading list and course plan will be available on the digital learning platform Blackboard before the course starts.

Credit reductions