Social Construction: Theory and Practice
Social constructionist ideas have been increasingly used to inform practice as well as inquiry. These ideas draw on a relational paradigm, which emphasizes the meaning-making process where interactions, as opposed to cognitive/mental processes, become the focus of concern. By examining what people do together, we will explore the ways in which our realities are created. Thus, our focus will be centered on relational processes, interactions, language and embodied practices. Additionally, focus will be on the practical application of constructionist ideas in a variety of contexts, such as therapy, counselling, organizations, healthcare, communities, and education.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:
The Candidate
- has in-depth knowledge of theoretical issues in social construction
- can assess the appropriateness and application of social constructionist methods in research and professional development projects
- can contribute to the development of new knowledge, new theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation based on social construction in their field
Skills:
The Candidate
- is able to formulate issues for, plan and carry out social constructionist research and theoretical discussions
- can conduct social constructionist research and professional development work at a high international level
- can handle complex academic questions and challenge established knowledge and practice on social constructionist methodologies
Genrel Competence:
The Candidate
- is able to identify new relevant ethical issues and conduct their research with professional integrity in social constructionist research
- can manage complex interdisciplinary tasks and projects with social constructionist research and theory
- can assess the need for, initiate and drive innovation with the use of social constructionist research
Learning methods and activities
Course language will be in English
Dialogue-based teaching, reflective teamwork and group work.
Mandatory activities
Compulsory participation in teaching
More about grading
Paper (10 pages) and participation (5 ECTS)
Reflection paper (3-5 pages) (2.5 ECTS
Special conditions
Compulsory activity from previous semester can be approved by the department.
Recommended prerequisites
Masters degree
Admission requirement
PhD candidates will be given priority
Dates: 1.-2. november 2022 (10am-16pm Day 1; 9am-16pm Day 2)
Registration: 15 October 2022 (you apply via Søknadsweb). Additionally, applicants must send an email to the course coordinator Ottar Ness (ottar.ness@ntnu.no) with an abstract (app. 500 words) describing research interests and wether or not you intend to complete a paper for the seminar. The number of participants is restricted and will be accepted on a first come basis.
Grading: Paper (10 pages) and participation (5 ECTS) / Reflection paper (3-5 pages) (2.5 ECTS)