The nature and objectives of social sciences are discussed in this course. Other discussions focus on the strengths and weaknesses of positivist and hermeneutics traditions, functional dependency and statistical laws, building blocks and theory formulation. Sources of new theories, measurement models and their applications in the social sciences, objectivity and the question of value free social sciences, and feminist epistemology are also addressed. Discussions will also involve systems thinking and analysis, and logical, empirical and epistemological processes in theory formulation or construction in the social sciences. 

Objectives: The objectives of this course are to:

• Develop the ability of students to appraise processes involved in theory building
• Equip students with analytical skills in linking theoretical and empirical issues in social science research.

Mode of Delivery: The main modes of delivery are assigned readings, individual and group assignments and presentations in class.