Theory and theorising in social science
Course description
Theory – what is it good for? This course offers an entry point to the ‘nuts and bolts’ of theory and theorising (theory development) in social science: the constitution of theory as a fundamental tool for analysis in practice, the fundamentals of the process of theorising in social science, and the crafting of theory driven and theory developing research. The course thus engages with the fundamental qualities and practices of theory and theorising in social science to foster relevant skills for assessing, applying, critiquing or developing any type or category of social theory.
The course’s aim is for PhD students to, from a social-science vantage point, further their skills regarding the evaluation and choice of theory in research designs and empirical analysis, the development of novel and improved theories through systematic theorising, and the conceptualisation of theory- driven research problems and study designs.
The course content is relevant for PhD students despite what social theories might be relevant for them, and for those who are exploring theories for their analytical work and/or research designs in social as well as transdisciplinary research. It fits PhD students who are new to social theory as well as those who hold previous experience thereof, and relates to both qualitative and quantitative research. It is particularly relevant for PhD students who seek to learn or improve skills for orienting themselves in the plethora of social theories, and for those who seek to contribute to theoretical debates and theory development in their research. In addition, it is of value for PhD students seeking to bridge social and technological issues in their research in a theoretically informed manner.
Course facts
P000164, Theory and theorising in social science, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: FUN-LTV, 2025-12-05
Valid from : Second half-year 2026 (2026-07-01)
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Other social science
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Describe and explain the role of (a) theory in social scientific research
2. Discern the fundamental elements of social-scientific theories
3. Distinguish between explorative and evaluative theorising, and their implications for research
4. Evaluate scientific problems in terms of theoretical implications or demands for a proper solution/explanation
5. Formulate theory-development-oriented research scopes
Content
The course runs half speed over four weeks. It starts with an introductory lecture which is followed by three lecture/seminar hybrids, one each week for the first three weeks. To support the reading of the literature, the PhD students will lead discussion seminars to collaboratively unpack it and learn together. The course is finalised by an individual oral exam where the PhD student should explain and unpack a theoretical work using insights from the course.
The course introduces the fundamentals of theory and theorising in social sciences, approaching them from the vantage point of practical research skills. The PhD students develop a fundamental understanding for what theory is and how to assess it, how to operationalise, examine and critique it in empirical research, and the process of theorising (developing new and furthering extant theories). The course structure is as follows: fundamentals of theory, using theory in research, and theorising in research.
The seminars and literature open for discussing issues regarding how gender, sustainability and international vantage points influence social theory and theorising, and how such social phenomena may be theorised.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Seminar participation (1HP)<br> To pass, the student must participate actively in the seminars and prepare according to instructions. They must also lead/co-lead at least one discussion seminar. Oral examination (2HP)<br> To pass, the student must be able to discuss and explain fundamentals of social theory in a theoretical work (see Course readings), using relevant/appropriate vocabulary, and to give reflexive and explanatory answers regarding how the theory is constructed/has been theorised, what and how it explains its object, may be applied to empirical materials and for operationalising research questions, and potential problematic assumptions or consequences of the theory.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of People and Society
Supplementary information
Other Information
Theory driven and developing research is key for conducting relevant and high- quality studies in social sciences such as business management, landscape planning, environmental psychology and communications, and rural development. It is equally fundamental for social-science informed transdisciplinary research on, for example, sustainable food provisioning, human-animal studies, and technology implementation. Moreover, in social science, theoretical contributions and rigor is decisive for publishing in prominent journals and to win research grants.
Since a PhD program is a training to become not only a researcher but a scholar, it is also worth noting that a fundamental understanding of theory is of importance for designing and evaluating research, referee work, and the supervision and assessment of student theses.