Course description for 2022/23
Study Foundation Semester - Individual, Society and Science
EX150S
Course description for 2022/23

Study Foundation Semester - Individual, Society and Science

EX150S
This first semester course will enable the student to study and engage in academic activity. The course will give an introduction to philosophy and history of science, and you will be introduced to key concepts and perspectives in the social sciences. The study foundation semester will give you knowledge and skills which are important for you as a student and after your education. During the semester we emphasize reflection and communication. We will help you to improve your ability to convey knowledge both in writing and orally.
This first semester course will enable the student to study and engage in academic activity. The course will give an introduction to philosophy and history of science, and you will be introduced to key concepts and perspectives in the social sciences. The study foundation semester will give you knowledge and skills which are important for you as a student and after your education. During the semester we emphasize reflection and communication. We will help you to improve your ability to convey knowledge both in writing and orally.
Admission based on general study competence (university entrance) or work competence (prior learning) according to current Norwegian regulations.

Knowledge:The student:

  • Have broad knowledge of science traditions and their place in society
  • Have basic knowledge of the role of science in the development of society
  • Have updated knowledge on the social sciences, ethics, and theory of science
  • Understand the ethical challenges in research and knowledge-based practice
  • Have an understanding of themselves at a personal level in communication and in relation to others

Skills: The student :

  • Can master to identify different views, arguments, and structures in academic texts
  • Can master to give presentation of viewpoints in debates
  • Is able to reflect on their values and views on humanity
  • Is able to critically reflect on ethical issues; related to personal issues, their studies and issues having to do with society
  • Is able to find, assess and refer to course literature, and present it, both in writing and orally
  • Is able to work both independently and in groups

General competence: The student:

  • Can communicate important academic theories, problems and solution both in writing and orally
  • Has insight into what characterizes academic texts, and how academic texts can have impact on society
  • Has insight into academic and ethical aspects of the scientific production of knowledge
  • Can plan and complete tasks over a period of time on their own and as a participant in a group, and contribute to their own and others' professional development
No costs except semester registration fee and course literature.
Compulsory for all bachelor programmes at the Faculty of Social Sciences except for Bachelor of Circumpolar Studies, Bachelor of 3D, animation and VFS, Bachelor of Film and TV Production, Bachelor of Games and Entertainment Technology. The course includes the courses Ex.phil and Ex.fac.

Teaching methods and learning activities consist of a mixture of lectures, student activity, seminars and group work. Selected parts of the curriculum will be discussed in lectures and students are responsible for reviewing the whole curriculum. Students are expected to influence the content of discussions and workshops by contributing with their own suggestions and comments.

The following parts of the teaching are mandatory a) Communication seminars b) Academic text.

Annual evaluations which are included in the university's quality assurance system.
See the description in Norwegian.

Overlap refers to a similarity between courses with the same content. Therefore, you will receive the following reduction in credits if you have taken the courses listed below:

EX130S - Examen philosophicum - 10 credits

EX105S - Examen facultatum - 10 credits

EX152S - Fundamentals of Academic Text - 10 credits

EX151S - Study foundation semester - Individual, Society and Science - 30 credits

EX150LS - Study Foundation Semester – Individual, Society and Science - 30 credits

EX153S - Study Foundation Semester - Individual, Society and Science - 30 credits