Thesis Preparation

2023/2024

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives

The objective of this module is to enable the students to define and delimit a potential topic and problem field for their MA thesis within the subject area of European studies. In addition, the aim is to enable the students to identify and collect relevant data and literature within this problem field.

Content:

Students are expected to identify a problem area for their thesis, collect relevant literature related to this area of study and outline key perspectives within that field. The problem area and the relevant literature must be outlined in a synopsis.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Will have acquired specific knowledge about key empirical aspects of the selected problem area
  • Are familiar with the central academic debates in relation to the chosen topic/problem area

Skills

  • Can identify a relevant problem area within the field of European Studies and argue for the relevance of the chosen problem
  • Are able to find relevant academic literature on the chosen topic
  • Can summarize the major academic debates in regards to the selected subject area.
  • Can select relevant theories and methods in relation to the chosen problem area and argue for this choice.

Competences

  • Can delimit a research area and outline a research project
  • Can work independently with academic literature search
  • Can apply and explain academic and PBL principles to create a project design, which can form the basis for the MA thesis

Type of instruction

The students will be expected to identify a problem field within European studies in collaboration with a supervisor and work independently with data collection and literature review within the chosen problem area.

Exam

Exams

Name of examThesis Preparation
Type of exam
Written exam
The examination for Thesis Preparation is an internally assessed individual written exam in the form of a synopsis including a literature review. The synopsis may be a maximum of 6 pages.
ECTS5
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleThesis Preparation
Module codeES0020
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Social Sciences in International Relations
Study BoardStudy Board of Politics and Society
DepartmentDepartment of Politics and Society
FacultyFaculty of Social Sciences and Humanities