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, research 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. All sessions are aimed at enhancing skills and supporting the timely completion of a good thesis. 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 ‘opponents’ to one another. This process additionally develops students’ overall scholarly capacities.