Course Objectives

The course will provide an in-depth examination of theories which address the relationships between the body, society and knowledge. It will provide a summary of the physio-sociological field of study, which comprises both historical and structural dimensions, and which relates to the body in both the substantial and communicative sense. In addition to providing insights into the main theoretical traditions in this field, the course will provide instruction and skills training in the relevant approaches, methods and techniques which may be used in the writing of a Master’s Thesis. Emphasis will be placed on the development of a critical understanding of the relationship between theoretical backgrounds and methodical procedures within empirical research. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, execute and critically evaluate their own research within the field of study, and at the level required for the writing of a Master’s Thesis.

Course Description

Part 1. Research theory

The theme of man’s physical nature comprises a very broad and complex problem area related to basic philosophical questions, and to a variety of specialist disciplines in science, social sciences and the humanities. The following theoretical perspectives from various research traditions include:

• The meaning of ‘body, soul and consciousness’
• The body: experiences and learning
• Knowledge through action and reflexive thinking
• The body as a product of evolution and the socio-cultural body
• The body as a vehicle for experience, meaning and communication
• Gender and the body
• The body, processuality, various aspects
• The encounter between the individual and the body-related institutions of society, such as physical education, outdoor life and sport
• The body and health in a social perspective

Part 2. Methodology

Students will choose two of four lecture series for the following courses in methods:

• Observation, fieldwork and interviews
• Quantitative methods, measurement and statistics
• Experimental methods and intervention studies
• Document, image and discourse analysis

Learning Methods

About 30 lectures each of 4 hours’ duration in the autumn semester. Parts of the lectures will be arranged as field seminars and course literature seminars.75% compulsory attendance.

Assessment Methods

Essay. Graded marks, external assessment.
Students must have fulfilled the compulsory attendance requirement (75%) for the exam to be approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean