Course Details
Country:
Netherlands
Institution:
Free University of Amsterdam
Course Title:
History of Social Sciences
Course Number:
S_HSS
Course Description:
Science in general, or social science in particular, is an institutionalized practice, embedded in a societal context. Science is a form of human behaviour, in which processes of institutionalisation interact with making rational choices, fully based on scientific insights and scientific standards. Scientists must operate in social structures of which they are only partially in control. By its focus on science as an institutionalized practice, the course connects perfectly to one of the main themes in social science: the tension between structure and agency. Various themes will be discussed weekly within this general framework, such as: the reasons why new disciplines emerge; great, inspiring examples of scientists; societal doubts about the value of science; the decolonization of universities; alternative knowledge systems like religion and art; the impact scientists want to make and the relationship to clients; activist research; fraud; the neoliberal management of universities; and the ecological footprint of universities.
Language:
English
Approved Equivalent:
INTS 299
Attachment Files:
Studyguide (52).pdf
