MSc.in Humanities and Social Sciences – UWWS

A Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Humanities and Social Sciences – UWWS typically offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that blends the study of various humanities and social science disciplines. The core courses  include:

Research Methods: Covers qualitative and quantitative research techniques, data analysis, and research design.

Practical Components

• Workshops and Seminars: Hands-on sessions to practice research techniques.
• Research Projects: Small-scale projects to apply learned methods.
• Peer Reviews: Reviewing and providing feedback on peers’ research proposals and projects.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Research Methods course, students should be able to:

• Design robust research studies.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively.
• Critically evaluate existing research.
• Apply ethical principles in research.
• Communicate research findings clearly and effectively.

Theory and Philosophy of Social Sciences: Explores foundational theories and philosophical underpinnings of the social sciences.

1. Introduction to Social Science Theory:
   • Definition and scope of social sciences.
   • Key concepts and terminology in social science theory.
   • The distinction between natural sciences and social sciences.
2. Classical Social Theories:
   • The contributions of early theorists such as Karl Marx, Max Weber, Émile Durkheim, and Georg Simmel.
   • Analysis of classical sociological theories and their impact on contemporary social science.
3. Contemporary Social Theories:
   • Modern theoretical perspectives, including structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, critical theory, and postmodernism.
   • The influence of contemporary theorists like Michel Foucault, Pierre Bourdieu, Jürgen Habermas, and others.
4. Philosophical Foundations of Social Science:
   • Ontology: the nature of social reality and what exists in the social world.
   • Epistemology: the nature of knowledge and how we come to know social phenomena.
   • Methodology: the principles and procedures of social research.
5. Positivism and Its Critics:
   • The rise of positivism and its emphasis on empirical, scientific approaches to social science.
   • Critiques of positivism from interpretivist, critical, and postmodern perspectives.
6. Hermeneutics and Phenomenology:
   • The study of interpretation and meaning in social life.
   • Contributions of phenomenological theorists like Edmund Husserl and Alfred Schutz.
7. Critical Theory and the Frankfurt School:
   • The development of critical theory as a response to positivism and traditional social science.
   • Key concepts such as ideology, hegemony, and the critique of power structures.
8. Social Constructionism:
   • The idea that social reality is constructed through language, interactions, and cultural practices.
   • The implications of social constructionism for understanding identity, power, and social change.
9. Ethics and Values in Social Science:
   • The role of ethics and values in shaping social research.
   • Debates about objectivity, bias, and the purpose of social science.
10. Applications of Social Theory:
    • The use of social theories in analyzing contemporary social issues.
    • Case studies that apply theoretical perspectives to real-world problems.

Practical Components

• Reading and Analyzing Key Texts: Engaging with primary texts from influential social theorists and philosophers.
• Class Discussions and Debates: Exploring and debating philosophical questions and theoretical perspectives.
• Writing and Critical Analysis: Producing essays and papers that critically engage with social theories and their applications.
• Research Projects: Conducting research that applies theoretical and philosophical insights to social phenomena.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the Theory and Philosophy of Social Sciences course, students should be able to:

• Understand and explain key social theories and philosophical concepts.
• Critically analyze social theories and their implications for research.
• Engage with complex philosophical debates about the nature of social science.
• Apply theoretical perspectives to the analysis of social issues.
• Reflect on the ethical and value-based dimensions of social science research.

Cultural Studies: Examines cultural phenomena, cultural theory, and the impact of culture on society.

History of Social Thought: Surveys key historical developments in social theory and thought.

Political Theory: Analyzes major political ideologies, theories, and concepts.

Sociology of Knowledge: Investigates the relationship between human thought and the social context within which it arises.

Ethics and Society: Discusses ethical issues and dilemmas in contemporary society.

Anthropology: Studies human societies, cultures, and their development.

Psychology: Provides insights into human behavior, mental processes, and social interactions.

Economics and Society: Looks at the economic aspects of social issues and policies.

Elective courses may also be available, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests or career goals. Additionally, many programs require a thesis or research project as a culminating experience.