Ethical Epistemologies of Tourism (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

Weekly assignments related to course literature and an exam.

Objective

After completion of the course the student is able to
- understand, pursue, articulate, and evaluate ethical, objective, responsible and creative aspects of knowledge production in relation to tourism
- explain what ethics, morality, and ethical theories mean and how these can shed light on tourism ethics and legitimacy, research ethics, and the ethics and technique of citation
- articulate the forms, means, and grounds of different objectivities resulting from rationally chosen methodologies, transparent values, and situating the researcher
- explain the notions of responsible and sustainable in the context of tourism, and particularly in connection to responsible planning of tourism
- acknowledge the variety of forms of knowing, academically and artistically, e.g. through paying attention to narrativities, poetics and politics in academic writing and in creative writing, which are not always opposites to one another
- differentiate the role of ‘theory’ from other aspects and activities of research
- articulate the ontological and epistemological aspects of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, as well as of Indigenous Knowledges and Western Academia
- draw meaningful connections between one’s personal, professional and academic identities
- conclude what an ethical epistemology means in one’s own research project, be it a master’s or a doctoral thesis
- present one’s arguments and research findings in reader-friendly, inclusive and convincing ways.

Execution methods

Opening lectures (8 h), Reading & Debate Clubs (4 x 3 h), short assignments for the Reading & Debate Clubs (4 x 8 h), Commenting other students’ work (4 x 4 h), writing a Learning Diary (40 h), Concluding Seminar (4 h). Amount of independent work 112 h.

Accomplishment methods

Active live or online participation in introductory lectures; attending in four weekly Reading & Debate Clubs; submitting and discussing weekly assignments in time; composing a revised, essayist, Learning Diary, on the basis of lecture notes and feedback given on weekly assignments; attending the concluding seminar for feedback and clarifications. Alternatively, one can execute the course as an independently executed, yet structured essay project based on given course readings during the summer period.

Content

Ethics, Objectivity, Responsibility, Creativity, Methodology, Indigenous Knowledges, Ethical Epistemology.

Location and time

Period 2

Materials

Course readings will be given before the course starts.

Teaching methods

Independent studies with course readings. A possibility to self-organised reading groups for those students who want to experience academic communality.

Please, note, that an option has arised to also organise a set of lectures as part of this course but this plan will be confirmed first in September 2023. In any case, one will also be able to take the course through a book exam, via independent studying.

Exam schedules

Exam dates are announced later.

Completion alternatives

A written exam in Exam-room in December 2023.

Student workload

Prepare for weekly work without a rush at the end.

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.

Qualifications

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