Study plan Master in Social Science Programme description The Master degree programme in Social Science has a scope of 120 ECTS, equivalent to 2 full-time years of study. The programme concludes with the Master thesis, worth 50 ECTS. Majors (eg. Sociology, Political Science, History, Journalism and Social Work) comprise 30 ECTS and are offered in the second semester. In addition, the programme includes two compulsory course in research methods, and a number of elective courses. ECTS Credits 120 Study level Master's degree (2 years) Teaching language Norwegian Faculty Faculty of Social Sciences Course location Bodø, Levanger, Steinkjer and Stjørdal Study model Expand all 1st study year Autumn 2016 Course id Course name ECTS Credits ME310S Qualitative and Quantitative and Methods I 10 SP Elective cources (click to choose) Spring 2017 Course id Course name ECTS Credits Specialization (click to choose) 2nd study year Autumn 2017 Course id Course name ECTS Credits SO330S Scientific based master thesis (1/2) Ends spring 2018 Mandatory courses (click to choose) Spring 2018 Course id Course name ECTS Credits SO330S Scientific based master thesis (2/2) 50 SP Learning outcomes Page 1 of 49 Knowledge: After graduation, the student will have: Thorough knowledge of social sciences and the chosen major, and the student will have developed a reflective attitude towards this knowledge. Thorough knowledge of scientific theory and research methods, and the student will know how to apply them critically and in terms of their own competence. The ability to analyze professional issues from a social science perspective. Skills: After graduation, the student will have the ability to: Bring forth and discuss ethical issues in social research and in society at large. Apply methods of social science and perspectives on practical challenges on specific tasks. Keep updated of new and relevant research and apply this on his or her own academic work and in his or her own professional practice. General competence After graduation, the student will have the ability to: Use his or her skills to interpret single phenomenon in a broader social science context. Develop, plan and carry out research in accordance with the academic requirements for scientific methods and content, leading to new social relevant knowledge and understanding. Communicate, argue and present his or her knowledge and skills. Description of the specializations with learning outcomes Major in Social Work Introduction This major seeks to improve the students¿ understanding of the interaction between theory and practice and focuses on placing social work in a historical, ideological and spatial context. Throughout the major, there will be a focus on gender and power relations ¿ on how social and political structures are gendered, how social problems affect women differently from men, and on how policies and social work practice can target social work challenges in a gender sensitive way to improve living conditions for women, children and men in different societies. The students should develop their ability for critical and comparative analysis to enhance their ability to promote social work¿s underlying values of social justice and human rights through social work at the local, national and international level. The major will also examine how different social services systems and institutional frameworks conduct to shape methods, ethics and critical reflection in social work. Learning outcomes: Knowledge Have advanced knowledge in the field of social work. Have a thorough knowledge of the theoretical foundation of social work Be able to apply knowledge in new areas within the field of social work. Skills Be able to analyze existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problem- solving in social work. Be able to interpret, critically assess and use appropriate methods of research and academic development in an independent matter. Be able to locate, assess and refer to information and academic material, and present this to highlight a problem. Be able to use relevant professional tools, techniques and forms of expression. General competence Be able to analyze relevant academic, professional and ethical issues. Be able to apply their knowledge and skills in new areas to carry out sophisticated tasks and projects. Be able to provide comprehensive independent study and master the subject area of expression. Be able to communicate about subject issues, analysis and conclusions in the field, both for specialists and the general public. Have knowledge of innovation and innovation processes. Major in Political Science Introduction The major in Political Science offers an introduction to developments and challenges related to Governance, Democracy, Welfare state and International politics in the High North. Besides the master thesis the major consists of three courses (each 10 ECTS) in Governance, High North Politics and Welfare state. This major provide students with skills that can be applied in a number of jobs and positions in public as well as Page 2 of 49 private sector, for example related to reporting and accounting, or academic or administrative management. Learning outcomes Knowledge Have a general knowledge and understanding of political systems, and processes of organizing, managing and governance in the public sector. Have broad and general knowledge and understanding of social science theories and research traditions in the field covered by the major. Have specialized knowledge and understanding of a chosen topic researched in the master thesis. Cognitive skills Reflect critically on political science relevant issues. Analyze and understand political and administrative processes. Identify and discuss normative questions and dilemmas in political institutions. Interpret and make critical judgements as well as engage in different kinds of research work. General skills Formulate precise analyses in written form. Develop, plan, and implement a larger piece of written research work in accordance with academic standards, leading to new and relevant knowledge and understanding. Major in Sociology Introduction The major study in sociology provides students with theoretical and practical training in sociological ways of thinking and analyzing social phenomena. Social change is one of the key aspects of concern, and students will acknowledge insights in modern societies and social development, and the ways in which local and global processes are interconnected in new and complex ways. Studying social changes means studying disintegrative as well as reintegrative forces. Social changes create new possibilities and new challenges in peoples¿ social life. With an in depth study in sociology students will achieve theoretical and methodological tools applicable to exploring such issues. The study provides in-depth knowledge about social issues on different levels, from the global to the local and from micro to macro. Students will achieve knowledge in a wide range of theoretical perspectives and different methodological approaches, as well as insight in the Norwegian society with a special focus upon the Norwegian and Nordic welfare model. The study will also be thematically oriented towards the student¿s master¿s thesis through seminar-based teaching. Learning outcomes On successful completion of the master degree in social science with sociology as major area and study, students should have achieved the following learning outcomes: Knowledge Have in-depth knowledge about the theoretical basis and methodological variety in sociology. Have in-depth knowledge about one specialized field within sociology (of their choice). Have in-depth knowledge about how to construct different kinds of scientific texts. Skills Be able to discuss a sociological research question by using different theoretical positions. Be able to develop interesting and relevant research questions Be able to produce scientific presentations, both in writing and orally. General competence Be able to present a report on different sociological questions, using scientific methods. Be able to produce analyses of social systems on different levels, from small groups to larger organizations and societies. Major in Journalism Introduction The major in journalism shall qualify for working with, managing and developing professional journalism, within media institutions as well as in education. The major will also qualify for work with research and development and administrative work in private and public sector. The study gives a theoretical understanding of the evolvement and challenge in journalism as subject, profession and research field. Besides the master thesis the major consists of two subjects. One draws attention to different theories and research methods in journalism, and the other on journalism as a profession. The major will place the professional journalism in an historical perspective, and will draw attention to central theories and methods developing journalism as a subject. The major will also deal with the public role of journalism in society in the past and today, both local, national and international. Learning outcomes Page 3 of 49 Knowledge Have thorough knowledge about the theoretical basis in journalism research. Have thorough knowledge about the public assignment of journalism in history, both locally, nationally and internationally Have thorough knowledge of the historical knowledge of journalism as profession. Have in-depth knowledge about a chosen