Learning outcomes

After this course the student should be able to:

• identify and formulate an economic research question,

• select and justify a scientific method relevant to the question at hand,

• structure a study and draw conclusions on the basis of his/her own analysis and possibly of previous research,

• apply basic economic theories on economic issues

• write an essay with good language,

• present verbal and written reviews of other scientific works and provide constructive suggestions.

Content

The thesis is done in several steps according to a given schedule. First, students have to contact their supervisors and, in consultation with the supervisors, select a paper topic. Thereafter, an outline of the paper must be handed to the supervisors. This memo should include the pattern of the study, its goal (s) and its major sources.

An almost complete manuscript is submitted on the Student Portal about two months after the start of the semester. This manuscript will be presented and discussed at seminars and since it is considered as a work in progress it does not need to be completely finished. Yet it must cover at least 3/4 of the finished paper. A manuscript cannot be put forward for discussion if the supervisor finds it unsatisfactory

The manuscripts are treated in a series of compulsory seminars in which students must defend their own works and critically assess other students' manuscripts. Students will then revise and finish their papers with regard to seminar discussions and the supervisor's comments. Presence at all seminars is compulsory.

Finally, the finished paper must be uploaded on the Student Portal at the end of the semester. Later, the supervisors may ask the students to make some minor changes. The final versions must be sent to the supervisors.

Instruction

The instruction consists both of supervision with a planning seminar and a mid-course seminar, and a final series of seminars. Participation in these seminars is compulsory. Furthermore, there is a method seminar at the beginning of the thesis work and individual supervision.

Assessment

The finished paper is graded by the supervisor and another reviewer. The evaluation of the thesis depends on, among other things, the formulation of the research question, the structure of the study, analysis, application of concepts and theories, treatment of data and language. Furthermore, an active participation in the compulsory seminars is required for passing of the course. The grades are pass with distinction (VG), pass (G) or fail (U).