Theorizing in Social Science Research

The purpose of this course is to work with practical application of theory, theory development and concept development. Instead of focusing on one specific social science discipline, or theory, the ambition of this course is to stimulate the course participants to creativity and independence in their own application of theory. Substantial theorizing is a basic skill for new thinking, innovation and quality in social science research. In line with this is also a program of theory analogous to method, i.e. to develop a toolbox for what we as social scientists do with theory in research practice. The course is based on both examples of creative theory and concept application within various social science theory traditions and substantial theorizing in light of research questions, methods and research design. The course is set up as a mix of lectures and workshops where course participants have the opportunity to problematize and develop questions about theory, concepts and the research object in their own dissertation projects.

Knowledge objectives - The student must:

• Discuss theoretical / methodological topics presented and discussed in the course

Skill objectives - The student must:

• deal with one of the topics addressed in the teaching in an independent way in a written work at an internationally high level.

Lectures and seminars. Contact Department of Sociology and Political Science for information on when it will be taught.