Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives

The objective of the module is that students demonstrate their ability to identify a problem within development and international relations and independently structure a project analyzing this problem at a specialised level.

Contents

The fourth semester of the Master’s programme is reserved for writing the thesis; students will work in detail on an issue related to development studies and international relations.The semester coordinator must approve the topic of the thesis, and a deadline for submission will be set. If students have opted for a full specialisation within Chinese Area Studies, Latin American Area Studies, Global Gender Studies or Global Refugee Studies, the topic of the thesis must be within the chosen specialisation.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

• possess in-depth knowledge of theories and practices within the chosen problem field of the thesis and can reflect on these on a scientific basis
• possess in-depth knowledge about the empirical context of the chosen problem field of the thesis
• are able to identify, reproduce and explain issues within the chosen field of the thesis on the basis of different perspectives and theories.

Skills

• can conduct research independently on the basis of the subject’s theories and methods
• can combine various disciplines and research methods related to development studies and international relations and reflect on the interdisciplinary process
• can apply theory on the chosen topic of the thesis in specific problems/situations
• can conduct advanced analysis and are able to work from different academic perspectives
• can select relevant theory, method and tools for the chosen topic in a critical manner and suggest (new) solution models on a scientific basis
• can articulate and communicate different types of arguments related to the fields of development studies and international relations
• can communicate and discuss their knowledge of the chosen topic with both peers and non-specialists.

Competences

• can identify relevant problems within the field of development and international relations and approach them in a structured manner.
• can combine various disciplines and research methods related to development studies and international relations
• can argue on the basis of scientific knowledge
• can organize collection and analysis of data on issues related to development and international relations.
• can take independent responsibility for their own academic development and specialisation within their chosen problem field.

Type of instruction

The Master’s thesis will be written on the basis of supervision, but students must organise their own thesis process and choose their topic/problem and find relevant literature and source material of their own accord.

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

• All previous modules must have been passed in order for students to take the examination of Master's Thesis.

Exams