Core subject: Knowledge

Course content

The overall purpose of the course is to develop students' reflective and critical thinking skills in relation to their use of knowledge, expertise and data (in evaluation and other knowledge-based practices). To do this, the course introduces students to the primary debates in the fields of philosophy, science and technology concerning the nature, production, use and evaluation of knowledge. It also provides them with the practical and analytical tools with which to assess quantitative and qualitative knowledge on specific topics, as well as critically understand the practical, analytical, and political implications of these various approaches to knowledge.

To meet these learning objectives, the course cover five topics:

1. Introduction

Introduction to the sociology of science and technology

 

2. Who produces knowledge, and where?

Part two focuses on the relationship between science, expertise and professions, and modes and sites of knowledge production.

 

3. How is knowledge produced (and used)?

Part three explores various epistemic practices such as quantification, classification, indexing, experimentation, benchmarking, standardization, etc.

 

4. The politics of knowledge

Part four explores the power relations in the production and sharing of knowledge, critically examines ‘hierarchies’ of evidence, and explores questions of positionality and the emancipatory potential of knowledge.

 

5. Conclusion

Finally, the course ends with a concluding discussion of knowledge practices and their consequences in the context of contemporary challenges.

Education

Core subject in the core subject track Evaluation. The course can only be taken by students who are also enrolled on the Evaluation core Subject track.

 

NB! All exams (both ordinary and re-exams) will take place at the end of the autumn semester only, as the course is not offered in the spring

Learning outcome

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

 

Knowledge:

  • Identify, summarize and differentiate between key theories of knowledge and of the sociology of knowledge.
  • Interpret and critically analyze the production, use and evaluation of different forms of knowledge using a range of methodological and analytical strategies.
  • Describe and evaluate the role of various actors and practices in constructing the value and use of different forms of knowledge.
  • Describe current and historical international trends knowledge production and use in areas such as science, politics and public policy.

 

Skills:

  • Classify, compare and evaluate different elements of the research and knowledge production process.
  • Engage in critical and theory-informed debates about knowledge and its production and use.
  • Identify and explain the relationships between different knowledge production methodologies and their implications for the nature and relevance of data generated;
  • Communicate complex arguments concerning the relationship between knowledge, research and evaluation.

 

Competences:

  • Reflect on the different modes of knowledge production, use and evaluation.
  • Critically evaluate a diverse range of theoretical and applied literature on knowledge.
  • Critically assess the relevance and value of different knowledge production methods.
  • Plan and manage a written assignment of work on knowledge evaluation.
  • Connect key concepts and theories of knowledge to areas of social science beyond that discussed in class.

Classes will comprise mini-lectures, small group exercises, and frequent group and class discussions on the reading and class topics.

One third of the way through the course, students will be divided into groups depending on the knowledge artefact they wish to examine as part of their first assignment. They will then identify and discuss relevant experts, knowledge and forums for knowledge production in their self-selected case study, and finally analyze a specific ‘epistemic object’. Two thirds of the way through the course, students will be divided into new groups depending on the topic they have chosen to investigate as part of their second assignment (a mini free-written assignment on a topic of their choice that pertains to knowledge).

The following is an indicative list of key readings associated with the course:

Written
Individual
Feedback by final exam (In addition to the grade)
Peer feedback (Students give each other feedback)

 

Students will receive individual written feedback on both of their ongoing assignments. They will also receive oral peer feedback on the drafts of their assignments when they participate in class peer review sessions.

ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Home assignment
Type of assessment details
Ongoing tests.
See the section regarding exam forms in the program curriculum for more information on guidelines and scope.
Aid
All aids allowed except Generative AI
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Re-exam

In the semester where the course takes place: Free written assignment

In subsequent semesters: Free written assignment

 

NB! All exams (both ordinary and re-exams) will take place at the end of the autumn semester only, as the course is not offered in the spring

Criteria for exam assessment

Meet the subject's knowledge, skill and competence criteria, as described in the goal description, which demonstrates the minimally acceptable degree of fulfillment of the subject's learning outcome.

Grade 12 is given for an outstanding performance: the student lives up to the course's goal description in an independent and convincing manner with no or few and minor shortcomings

Grade 7 is given for a good performance: the student is confidently able to live up to the goal description, albeit with several shortcomings

Grade 02 is given for an adequate performance: the minimum acceptable performance in which the student is only able to live up to the goal description in an insecure and incomplete manner

  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 28
  • Preparation
  • 56
  • Exercises
  • 6
  • Exam Preparation
  • 16
  • Exam
  • 100
  • English
  • 206

Kursusinformation

Language
English
Course number
ASTK18022U
ECTS
7,5 ECTS
Programme level
Full Degree Master
Duration

1 semester

Placement
Autumn
Studyboard
Department of Political Science, Study Council
Contracting department
  • Department of Political Science
Contracting faculty
  • Faculty of Social Sciences
Course Coordinator
  • Emily Flore St Denny   (2-73724e7774813c79833c7279)
Saved on the 01-05-2025

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