Contemporary Research Issues in Ethics, Science, and Policy, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 180 ECTS credits passed including 90 ECTS credits in a main field of study.
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6).
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the students should on an advanced level be able to:

• compile, critically review, and evaluate current research literature in areas relevant to policy development
• explain and analyze philosophical concepts, theories, and problems related to the evaluation and use of research literature
• present research findings to different target audiences
• develop a theoretically informed argumentation in specific problem areas concerning philosophical questions in policy work
• formulate theory-based political recommendations and assessments of a normative issue within a specific policy area based on research

Course content

Central to the course is the use of research findings in policy development. The course addresses the interpretation, explanation, and application of new research information in investigative and policy work. The course provides tools for interpreting research literature by addressing methods in ethics and the philosophy of science. The course also includes practice in explaining new research findings through literature studies that either address issues in the philosophy of science or problems in applied ethics. The course also covers how to use scientific literature in policy work.

Teaching and working methods

The course includes lectures, group work, writing, and student-driven seminar and lecture series, presentations, and workshops. Students are also expected to engage in self-study.

Language of instruction and examination: English.

Examination

The course is examined through:

• Active participation in seminars, grading scale: UG
• Participation in student-led lectures, grading scale: D
• Individual written assignment, grading scale: EC

To get Pass (E) as the final grade, at least an E on the individual written assignment, as well as a pass on active participation in seminars and participation in the student-led lectures are required. Higher grades are based on the individual written assignment.

Detailed information can be found in the study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

About teaching and examination language

The teaching language is presented in the Overview tab for each course. The examination language relates to the teaching language as follows: 

• If teaching language is “Swedish”, the course as a whole could be given in Swedish, or partly, or as a whole, in English. Examination language is Swedish, but parts of the examination can be in English.
• If teaching language is “English”, the course as a whole is taught in English. Examination language is English.
• If teaching language is “Swedish/English”, the course as a whole will be taught in English if students without prior knowledge of the Swedish language participate. Examination language is Swedish or English depending on teaching language.

Department