Course content

This PhD course is about social constructionism as theory and practice. Social constructionist ideas have been increasingly used to inform practice as well as inquiry. These ideas draw on a relational paradigm, which emphasizes the meaning-making process where interactions, as opposed to cognitive/mental processes, become the focus of concern. By examining what people do together, we will explore the ways in which our realities are created. Thus, our focus will be centered on relational processes, interactions, language and embodied practices. Additionally, focus will be on the practical application of constructionist ideas in a variety of contexts, such as therapy, counselling, organizations, healthcare, communities, and education.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The Candidate

• has in-depth knowledge of theoretical issues in social construction
• can assess the appropriateness and application of social constructionist methods in research and professional development projects
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation based on social construction in their field

Skills:

The Candidate

• is able to formulate issues for, plan and carry out social constructionist research and theoretical discussions
• can conduct social constructionist research and professional development work at a high international level
• can handle complex academic questions and challenge established knowledge and practice on social constructionist methodologies

Genrel Competence:

The Candidate

• is able to identify new relevant ethical issues and conduct their research with professional integrity in social constructionist research
• can manage complex interdisciplinary tasks and projects with social constructionist research and theory
• can assess the need for, initiate and drive innovation with the use of social constructionist research

Learning methods and activities

Course language will be in English

Dialogue-based teaching, reflective teamwork and group work.

Mandatory activities

Compulsory participation in teaching

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory participation in teaching

Further on evaluation

Reflection paper (3-5 pages)

Compulsory activities

Participation in class and course activities

Special conditions

Compulsory activity from previous semester can be approved by the department.

Recommended previous knowledge

Masters degree

Required previous knowledge

PhD candidates will be given priority

Credit reductions