Theoretical Approaches and Research Design in the Humanities

Lectures are based on syllabus related to the humanities and its philosophy of science, as well as its historical research traditions. The historical perspective emphasizes research traditions after 1700. Lectures and syllabus in this module pay particular attention to rhetoric, semiotics, hermeneutics and historicism as key theoretical approaches in humanities research, in addition to discussing positivism and constructivism. In the seminars students will further receive guidance in developing research design and methods appropriate to their individual thesis projects

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of this module, students will have:
- acquired a broad understanding of the main theories and research traditions in the humanities
- gained insight into significant issues in the relationship between different research traditions
- developed increased awareness of the distinctiveness of the humanities as a field of research, and of key features in the history of its research traditions
- formed an understanding of what is required and expected of a masters’ thesis in the humanities, with regards to form, structure and genre

Skills

After successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
- reflect upon key issues in the history and theories of the humanities
- identify central historical elements of post-1700 humanities research traditions
- discuss significant issues in the relationship between different research traditions
- define, formulate and present their own masters’ thesis project

Lectures, seminars and screenings.

More on assessment:
A letter-graded essay of about 6 000 - 8 000 words (15-20 pages).

Students are also required to keep updated on relevant information from the department or course director via It's learning and Innsida.