KF-615 Philosophy of science and research methods in the arts

Prerequisites

It is a requirement that the PhD candidate has previous knowledge equivalent to the philosophy of science and methods subject ME-406 or KF-402 from the master’s degree programmes in Fine Arts at UiA.

Course contents

The course, Research methods in the arts, focuses on themes which provide the doctoral degree candidate with knowledge concerning methods for generating, analysing, and evaluating data and theory, as well as methods for carrying out artistic research within the various arts subjects.

A central question is what characterises scientific reasoning, explanation and understanding. The most important assumptions, methods and terms in the various research traditions will be presented and discussed, as well as being regarded from arts perspectives.

The course will also cover themes such as research ethics and concepts common to the humanities, and multidisciplinary dialogue practices.

The course takes up central aspects of research methodology connected to arts research. It includes a discussion of methodological research design, including choice of methodology and research ethics issues, possibilities with regard to the application of qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as the project’s argumentation leading up to its conclusion.

Learning outcomes

After the completing the course, the candidates will be able to orient themselves with regard to international articles and reports in which scientific methods are applied – include ones other than those the candidate themselves use. Furthermore, the doctoral degree candidate is widely oriented with regard to methodological possibilities and their various assumptions, so that they are able to state reasons for their own thesis research design, including knowledge of the particular methodological opportunities and challenges that can be connected to practice-based forms of arts research. The candidate has also acquired a basis for his/her own further study of methodology literature which supports their own project.

Examination requirements

Present an outline of one’s own methodological research design during one of the gatherings.

Teaching methods

The course is obligatory. The teaching is organised into 2-3 gatherings which comprise lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and presentations of research design / choice of methodology with comments.

The course can be combined with KF-616 Theory of Science.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual demonstration or oral presentation of the methodology of their own project, with subsequent reflection dialogue. Assessed with the grade: pass/fail