TAFATHS01U MA Thesis and Thesis Seminar
As a compulsory part of the MA Programme, the Centre of African Studies runs a Thesis Seminar each semester. MA students already at the stage of writing their thesis must sign up and participate (actively) in the Thesis Seminar. A signed thesis contract is a prerequisite for participation. The purpose of this seminar is to enhance the student’s focus, skills and confidence in the thesis-writing process. This includes consideration of methodological, theoretical and writing aspects, as well as the provision of substantive feedback on the formulation of ideas and actual written work, according to the rules of the Study Curriculum. A key element - and compulsory requirement - of the Thesis Seminar is participation by each student in two feedback/opponent sessions in which written material, directly linked to the thesis itself, is presented and discussed. The first written ‘paper’ must be between 3,400 and 6,700 characters (including spaces). The paper should provide an overall outline and description of what the thesis is about, including a clearly defined research problem and question, an indication of the proposed thesis structure, and a timetable for the writing process. The second written paper should be between 15,000 and 30,000 characters (including spaces). This paper has to be a coherent text (not in note form), such as one of the chapters of the thesis. The written materials are presented in group sessions, and the group members provide detailed and constructive feedback as active ‘opponents’ to one another. The Thesis Seminar is based on active participation and requires that the students both present their own work and that they act as ‘opponents’ in response to other students’ work.
Spring 2015:
In the seminar we use a combination of teaching methods: lecturing/presentation and discussion of various theoretical and methodological topics; writing exercises, student opponent sessions on written assignments. The seminar is based on the active participation of students.
- Category
- Hours
- Exam
- 1
- Preparation
- 824
- Seminar
- 15
- Total
- 840
Registration and participation presuppose a signed Thesis Agreement handed in to the CAS administration by the deadline Monday 2 February for Spring 2015.
- Credit
- 30 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral defence, 45 min.
- Exam registration requirements
- The student has to have
1. passed 90 ECTS
2. handed in a Thesis Agreement
3. participated in the Thesis Seminar. - Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- External censorship
Criteria for exam assesment
The grade of 12 is given when the student in his or her MA thesis demonstrates:
- Comprehensive and relevant knowledge of the topic in question and in-depth understanding of the topic’s perspectives.
- Academic confidence in the problem outline and planning of the relevant material.
- Confident ability to discuss academic content, taking a critical and methodological approach.
- Excellent skills in written communication of academic content.
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- TAFATHS01U
- Credit
- 30 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 semester
- Placement
- Autumn And Spring
- Schedule
- Selected dates. Course plan will be available later on teol.ku.dk/cas/studentinformation/courses
- Study board
- Study board of African Studies
Contracting department
- African Studies
Course responsibles
- Julie Katrine Oxenvad (3-6f747d45796a747133707a336970)
Head of Administration
Lecturers
Autumn 2014: Karen Lauterbach
Spring 2015: Amanda Hammar