URL study guide
https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/S_HSSCourse Objective
The course has the following learning goals:Knowledge and understanding. At the end of this course, students are able to
Argue that social sciences are the work of people, with all the concomitant social differences, forms of inequality, coincidences, forms of cooperation, et cetera;
Explain the emergence of disciplines in the social sciences from general historical, societal changes.
Understand that competition has been a driving force in science, with historically unequal chances of success (measured at the level of countries, languages, gender or ethnicity).
Application. At the end of this course, students are able to
Make a well-argued assessment which ethical considerations must prevail in concrete cases of research with sometimes contradictory moral guidelines.
Make a critical judgment of the position of their own discipline in the social sciences.
Making judgement. At the end of this course, students are able to
Recognize risks of societal developments that threaten the independence of researchers;
Assess unequal chances to make an impact by doing social science research.
Communication. At the end of this course, students are able to
Answer questions about the history of social sciences in writing.
Course Content
Science in general, or social science in particular, is an institutionalized practice, embedded in a societal context. Science is a form of human behaviour, in which processes of institutionalisation interact with making rational choices, fully based on scientific insights and scientific standards. Scientists must operate in social structures of which they are only partially in control. By its focus on science as an institutionalized practice, the course connects perfectly to one of the main themes in social science: the tension between structure and agency. Various themes will be discussed weekly within this general framework, such as: the reasons why new disciplines emerge; great, inspiring examples of scientists; societal doubts about the value of science; the decolonization of universities; alternative knowledge systems like religion and art; the impact scientists want to make and the relationship to clients; activist research; fraud; the neoliberal management of universities; and the ecological footprint of universities.Teaching Methods
Lectures, possibly formative tests and clips.Method of Assessment
Exam with open questions.Literature
The readings will be published on Canvas.Additional Information
BSc1 CADS, CS, POL; other students are welcome to take this course as an elective.The course has a classical set-up with a series of lectures and a written exam at the end. The lectures are part of the exam, together with the readings. Attendance of the live lectures is not mandatory, but it is self-evident.