Concepts and Epistemological Perspectives in Caring Science

The content in the course introduces the basic foundations and perspectives for the research discipline Caring Science. The course consists of an overview of the central concepts in caring science and their application in theory and research. The development of caring science in a both a Norwegian and international perspective will be processed. The concept of evidence in research will be considered.

Knowledge and understanding

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

• Describe, elaborate and critically evaluate the ontology and epistemology in caring science
• Describe, analyse and critically evaluate the meanings within the metaparadigm concepts and development of theories in caring science
• Identify and analyse existential and ethical issues in caring contexts
• Reflect upon health from dimensions of sustainability, power relations and equality

Skills and abilities

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

• Critically analyse and problematize the patient perspective in caring science
• Critically analyse and argue for the importance of theory building and development in caring science
• Describe, elaborate and problematize different ethical perspectives and power relations in caring contexts
• Describe, elaborate and problematize different perspectives on the concept of evidence

Critical judgement and approach

After completing the course the student is expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate skills in problematizing and critically evaluate research questions in caring science
• Reflect over the importance of existential, ethical and equality in care.
• Problematize and reflect over sustainability issues and person-centeredness in caring science research.

Seminars and lectures. Programme structure: Study part-time, two meetings two days, the last day mandatory seminar.

Compulsory activities: Participate on all sessions. Compulsory activities are valid during the current academic year.

The course is taught in English only if English speaking students enroll.