(Social) Theory and (Social) Data Science

1. Students can quote different meanings theory have in social sciences
2. Students can identify different positions on theory from empirical papers
3. Students can describe how different meanings of theory impact the research and analysis work
4. Students can formulate research design based on different positions on theory
5. Students reflect what purpose theory serves for them

Nelimarkka, Matti (2023): Computational Thinking and Social Science Combining Programming, Methodologies and Fundamental Concepts

Lingren: Data Theory: Interpretive Sociology and Computational Methods

Abend, G. (2008). The Meaning of ‘Theory.’ Sociological Theory, 26(2), 173–199. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9558.2008.00324.x(Opens in a new tab)

and other assigned reading materials

Participation in teaching. Participation to lectures is mandatory, we allow students to miss up-to 20% of teaching sessions unless extraordinary circumstances are present.

Course is evaluated though learning diary, which is peer- and self-assessed.

In-class lectures will use discussions in small groups to support reflection; furthermore reading assignments are used.

COS students, other master's students (including exchange students), continuous learning (3 places)

SOST/PYAM PhD students

III or IV

This course is organised every second year.

Please see the instructions on expiry of studies(Opens in a new tab).

English