Summary of content

This is a foundational module for the MSc. Human Rights programme. The overarching goal is to critically explore the possibilities of research-led social science being used to transform the world for the ‘common good’. We will explore why transformative social action/science should be pursued; what theoretical tools are available to help frame this work and guide our action; the range of contributions that social science can make (across an array of social science disciplines/perspectives); and how social science should be practised. Throughout, we will critically appraise the taken-for-granted, problematise casual everyday understanding, and explicate the necessity of theoretical foundations. While valorising theoretical knowledge, our objectives are not limited to the esoteric pursuit of knowledge; we put theory to work - seeking to better understand how theory can frame practical transformative social action.

Module structure

Assessment methods