Social Analysis: Why and How
In the topic Social Analysis: Why and how? students must acquire the ability to critically analyze how societies, institutions and organizations are established, developed and changed. These conditions can be global, national or local, but the common denominator is that development has consequences for how individuals live their lives. Development and changes in social structures can be independent of geography, culture, language or nation states. Emphasis is placed on the students developing the ability to see complex challenges in context and applying different perspectives and approaches. How to do social analysis? How to spot new trends? What are relevant issues? Topics covered in this topic
- Sustainability dimensions
- Globalization
- Artificial intelligence and algorithms
- Social inequality and the labor market
- Democracy, power and social leadership
- Equality and discrimination
- Risks and disasters
Single course students must meet the following entry requirements:
- Bachelor degree of 3 years' duration (180 ECTS).
- The applicant must have passed exams of at least 80 ECTS credits in social sciences. The grade requirement is C on a weighted average.
Knowledge
- The student has advanced knowledge in social analysis and specialized insight into a limited topic area.
- The student has in-depth knowledge of scientific theory and method in social analysis.
- The student can analyze issues based on relevant theory.
Skills
- The student can apply existing theories and methods in social analysis and work independently with practical and theoretical problem solving.
- The student can use the relevant method for research and work in an independent way.
- The student can analyze and relate critically to various sources of information and use these to structure and formulate academic reasoning.
General competence
- The student can apply their knowledge and skills to new areas of society to carry out advanced analyzes, work assignments and projects.
- The student can communicate extensive independent work and master forms of expression within social analysis.
- The student can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes in working life, organizations and institutions.
The teaching is collection-based and there will be two physical sessions. Here, students will be introduced to key topics from the course.
The teaching will further mainly consist of student activity, seminars, lectures and group work. In addition, webinars will be arranged between the gatherings. Students are expected to actively contribute their own input and comments in discussions and seminars. The course requires a high degree of self-activity (self-study).
Two academic papers and one paper must be submitted, which is a short justification for choosing a self-chosen syllabus. The academic work must be a critical assessment and analysis based on two different positions or approaches on the same issue.
We otherwise refer to "Regulations on studies and examinations at Nord University".
Required coursework: Reasons for syllabus selected by student. Assessed as passed/not passed.
Portfolio: Contains 2 individual student works. 3000 words (+/- 10%). Assessed overall A-F.
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:
SAM5008 - Social Analysis: Why and How - 10 credits