Course content

The course focuses on theories of science and traditions in the philosophy of science, researcher positioning, professional research, knowledge forms in research and development work related to education, research ethics and Bildung.
Traditions included in the course are phenomenology, hermeneutics, structuralism, poststructuralism, pragmatism, postmodernism, feminist epistemologies, posthumanism and new-materialism.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
The candidate
- has outstanding knowledge of theories of science and epistemological issues and positions
- can evaluate interpretations and research designs in educational research, according to theoretical and philosophical perspectives on science
- has thorough insight into forms of knowledge that are relevant to research related to education and the teacher profession
- can consider ethical challenges related to education research

Skills:
The candidate
- can discuss in how scientific theoretical positioning is important for what kind of insights research about the school and the teacher profession can develop
- identify and handle ethical challenges in research related to education
- can formulate and in a qualified way discuss questions related to Bildung

General competence:
The candidate
- can identify and handle ethical issues in research within their area
- can relate theoretical and epistemological positioning to different research designs, intentions and standards
- can participate in debates on theories of science in profession-oriented educational research at international levels
- can convey research through recognized national and international publication channels

Learning methods and activities

Session-based education, 2-3 days each seminar. Learning and teaching activities include lectures, discussions and student presentations. individually and in study groups with the course literature. Each student set up their own reading list according to given criteria and including the mandatory literature in the course. The course participants are expected to be conducting research projects while taking the course. The course requirement for attendance is 80%.

Mandatory Activities
• Compulsory attendance: 80%
• 4 work requirements: attendance in study group with 2 jointly written submissions, 1 individual written essay, oral presentation and opposition to a fellow student´s work.

Assignments can be handed in in Norwegian or English.

Compulsory assignments

• Two written assignments
• One written paper with oral presentation
• Opposition to fellow student's presentation / assignment
• Attendance 80%

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Master's Degree or equivalent. PhD students are prioritized upon admission.

Students are expected to be engaged in their own, on-going research project.

Admission restrictions*: The course is limited to a of maximum 25 students, where 6 spots are reserved for applicants from other institutions affiliated with NorTED (www.nor-ted.com). If there are less than 5 applicants, the Department of Teacher Education reserves the right to cancel the course.
* Applicants will be ranked based on the following criteria and deadline for applications can be found here: https://www.ntnu.no/ilu/phd-emner

Course materials

Curriculum of approximately 700 pages