Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Objectives:

The objective of the module is that students will be able to apply their knowledge within European studies and international relations at a specialised level.

Content

The fourth semester of the Master’s programme is reserved to writing the thesis; students will work in detail on an issue related to European studies and international relations.

The course 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 or Global Gender 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 field and can reflect on these on a scientific basis
• 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 European studies and international relations
• 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 find (new) solutions on a scientific basis
• can articulate and communicate different types of arguments related to the fields of European studies and international relations
• can communicate and discuss their knowledge of the chosen topic with both peers and non-specialists.

Competences

• can work efficiently and in an organised manner and combine various disciplines and research methods related to European studies and international relations
• can argue on the basis of scientific knowledge
• can take independent responsibility for their own academic development and specialisation within an individually chosen topic.

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 be passed in order for students to take the examination of the Master's Thesis.

Exams