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 insight into the main theoretical traditions in this field, the course will provide instruction and competence 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. The students will acquire the knowledge and skills that are necessary to understand, execute and critically evaluate their own research within the field of study, and on the level required for the writing of a Master’s Thesis.

Course Description

The course includes scientific theory, research theory and methods concerning the study of body, society and knowledge. In the general part, there will be a discussion of basic scientific theory and the methodological approaches within the various research traditions, with particular emphasis on the following topics:

 The meaning of ‘body, soul and consciousness’
 The body: experiences and learning
 Knowledge through action and reflexive thinking
 Body-based competence and reflexive thinking
 The body as a vehicle for experience, meaning and communication
 Gender and the body
 The body, processuality, diverse 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

The method part concerns the collection, analysis and interpretation of texts, pictures and statistics, and throws light on both quantitative and qualitative techniques including survey, qualitative interviews, observation and document research. In addition to further investigating the most accepted and appropriate methods within qualitative methods, the modelling process in scientific work will also be examined. The course will also address areas of application, dilemmas, limitations and possibilities of the method in general, and in relation to work with the Master’s Thesis in particular.
Assessment:
An essay on a given topic. The essay will serve as a starting point for theoretical positioning, operationalisation and critical discussion of the research project. Graded assessment, external examiner. The grade will be included on the final diploma.

Learning Methods

Twenty-five lectures, each of four hours duration, during the autumn semester. Part of the instruction will be organised as field-seminars and literature seminars.

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