Ethical Epistemologies of Tourism (5cr)

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- decribe and analyse the ontology, epistemology and methodology of a research project
- explain what ‘knowledge’ means as an epistemological concept
- analyze what ethics mean as a philosophical subject of study
- conclude what an ethical epistemology means
- differentiate the role of ‘theory’ from other aspects and activities of research
- compare and evaluate the ontological and epistemological similarities and differences between qualitative and quantitative methodologies
- comprehend and critically analyse the roles of data, statistics and algorithms in tourism planning in data-driven societies
- draw meaningful connections between one’s own professional identity and academic knowledge
- evaluate the ethical and academic sustainability of tourism research
- think about tourism critically, ethically, and creatively in response to scholarly literature, and to present one’s arguments in reader-friendly and convincing ways.

Content

Ontology, epistemology, theory, methodology, philosophical studies of ethics, qualitative and quantitative epistemologies, situating the researcher, indigenous epistemologies and methodologies, ethical tourism, scientific objectivities, poetics and politics of academic writing.

Qualifications

Intermediate Studies in Tourism Research, especially Advanced Course in Tourism Research, and one year of Master’s studies

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.

Materials

Book chapters and articles to be given in the beginning and during the course.

Further information

Target Group: 4th or 5th year master’s students during the summer predecing thesis seminar, or during the thesis seminar in the fall; for doctoral students preferably during the early stage of their project, and with some supplementary requirements.

Execution methods

Opening lectures (9 h), Reading & Debate Clubs (4 x 3 h), short assignments for the Reading & Debate Clubs, a Learning Diary. Amount of independent work 110 h.

Accomplishment methods

Participation in lectures and in weekly Reading & Debate Clubs (3 ECTS) and assignments related to these, and writing a Learning Diary at the end of the course (2 ECTS). Alternatively, one can take the course as an independently executed, yet structured essay project based on given course readings during the summer period.