TAFATHS01U MA Thesis and Thesis Seminar

Volume 2013/2014
Content

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.

The Thesis Seminar is a compulsory course for all MA students working on their MA thesis and who has passed 90 ECTS.
In the seminar we use of combination of teaching methods: lecturing, writing exercises/workshops, 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
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.