Course syllabus - Animals in Society 7,5 credits
Information about the course
- Course code: FHVV031
- Third-cycle subject: Social science (Sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, management studies, sustainable development, work life studies)
- School: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare
- Valid from: 2024-08-12
- Established by: Dean of School
- Decision date: 2024-04-16
- Level of education: Third cycle level
Course objective
The objective for the course is for the student to acquire knowledge of some of the theories and methodological approaches used to study the relationship between humans and other animals within the frame of the research field of human-animal studies.
Course content
The course gives an advanced introduction to human-animal studies in social science and the humanities, with a focus on the role of animals in society. Several different theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches within the field are dealt with during the course.
Intented learning outcomes
On completion of the course, students shall be able to:
- define, apply and compare central theoretical concepts in human-animal studies
- autonomously and critically reflect on current discussions in the field of human-animal studies
- combine approaches from different disciplines to analyze and assess the role of animals in contemporary society
- formulate and motivate a research question that advances a theoretical perspective and/or addresses an underexplored area within human-animal studies
The intended qualitative targets in relation to the Higher Education Ordinance, appendix 2.
Knowledge and understanding
For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate:
- A1: broad knowledge and systematic understanding of the research field as well as advanced and up-to-date specialised knowledge in a limited area of this field, and
- A2: familiarity with research methodology in general and the methods of the specific field of research in particular.
Competence and skills
For the Degree of Doctor, the doctoral student shall demonstrate
- B1: the capacity for scholarly analysis and synthesis as well as to review and assess new and complex phenomena, issues, and situations autonomously and critically,
- B2: the ability to identify and formulate issues with scholarly precision critically, autonomously, and creatively, and to plan and use appropriate methods to undertake research and other qualified tasks within predetermined time frames and to review and evaluate such work,
- B4: the ability in both national and international contexts to present and discuss research and research findings authoritatively in speech and writing and in dialogue with the academic community and society in general,
- B5: the ability to identify the need for further knowledge,
Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Doctor the doctoral student shall demonstrate
- C1: intellectual autonomy and disciplinary rectitude as well as the ability to make assessments of research ethics, and
- C2: specialised insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used.
Teaching formats
The teaching formats are online lectures and online seminars that include discussions, oral presentations, and peer review.
Examination
SEM 1: 4 credits
SEM 2: 3,5 credits
SEM 1 consists of group discussions and focuses on learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3.
SEM 2 includes oral presentations and peer-review from the other course participants, and primarily focuses on learning outcome 4.
Grade
Examinations included in the course are assessed according to a two-grade scale, fail or pass.
Grades are to be decided by a teacher specially appointed by the university.
A person who has not passed the regular examination shall be given the opportunity to retake the test.
Requirements
To participate in the course and the examinations included in the course, the applicant must be admitted to doctoral studies.
Specific entry requirements
A brief motivational letter (a maximum of 1 page) where applicants describe their educational background and why their doctoral research project would benefit from the course.
The applicant must submit proof of ongoing doctoral studies, in the form of a certificate of studies or similar documentation.
The participants will be chosen based on the relevancy of their educational background and PhD project for the course.
Selection criteria
Doctoral students admitted to other subjects at Mälardalen University may be admitted to the course, subject to availability. The same applies to doctoral students admitted to other higher education institutions.