Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students are expected to situate the nursing discipline within a socio-historical context; identify the key concepts, values and orientations that characterise nursing as a practice discipline; describe the multiple ways of developing nursing knowledge; explore the conceptualisation of scientific knowledge and its place in the establishment of the discipline of nursing; compare and contrast competing conceptualisations underpinning extant knowledge in nursing; reflect on personal values and experiences as an important source of knowledge for nursing; discuss and debate contemporary issues in the nursing discipline.
Synopsis This subject introduces students to the philosophical and historical background of nursing knowledge development. The subject traces the emergence of nursing as a discipline, and alternate paths for its future. Contemporary theoretical and practical issues are discussed and debated in the subject with student participation in the discussion maximised.
Assessment Seminar paper: 30% + Written assignment 70%