University of Galway

Course Module Information

Course Modules

Semester 2 | Credits: 10

This course is an introduction to the philosophical foundations for research methods in social science. The departure point is the standard positivistic epistemic foundations of science, including Popper and Kuhn. Moving to social science, we explore the particular epistemic foundations of sociology and political science. This includes social constructionism and the making of meaning, which open the doors to hermeneutics, critical realism, critical theory, pragmatism, and discourse theory.
(Language of instruction: English)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of philosophical positions, social ontology, paradigms, and the framing of research
  2. Design a research question in a clear and testable manner.
  3. Choose the appropriate epistemic frame for a research question.
  4. Relate a research question and frame to an appropriate methodology.
  5. Construct a coherent argument using social science frameworks.
Assessments
  • Continuous Assessment (80%)
  • Department-based Assessment (20%)
Teachers
Reading List
  1. "Philosophy of the social sciences" by Patrick Baert
    ISBN: 9780745622477.
    Publisher: Cambridge, UK ; Polity, 2005.
  2. "The foundations of social research" by Michael Crotty
    ISBN: 9780761961062.
    Publisher: London ; Sage Publications, 1998.
  3. "Varieties of social explanation" by Daniel Little
    ISBN: 0813305659.
    Publisher: Westview Press
The above information outlines module SP6111: "Philosophy of Social Science " and is valid from 2018 onwards.
Note: Module offerings and details may be subject to change.