Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6.

Learning outcomes

After passing the course, the student should be able to:

• present and defend an independently conducted written research effort in the form of an academic essay,
• relate an issue to previous relevant research
• apply current archaeological scientific theories and methods
• assess primary sources in terms of the usefulness and representativeness
• systematically process and analyze primary sources to answer a question
• write a carefully considered and correct text regarding grammar and formalities
• give and take constructive criticism in a scientific conversation

Module 1: Contextualized question

After passing the module, the student must be able to write in writing corresponding to 10-15 pages:

• present and defend a limited issue with sub-questions
• list and describe previous studies relevant to the issue
• list and describe preliminary primary sources that can be used to answer the question
• present a preliminary outline of the intended study with comments under each heading

Module 2: Operationalization

After passing the module, the student must in writing corresponding to approximately 15 more pages:

• present a research perspective (theory) that sets the framework for the study
• describe the approach (method) by which the sources are collected and grouped
• critically examine the primary sources in terms of selection and representativeness
• in continuous text show samples of how the primary sources are analyzed to answer the question

Module 3: Completed thesis: results and competencies

After passing the module, the student must be able to:

• present and defend an independently conducted written research effort based on good scientific practice
• present a carefully considered and correct text regarding grammar and formalities
• demonstrate new knowledge in relation to the study's issue by analyzing new or existing primary sources and / or conceptualizing a scientific discourse in a new way

Content

The purpose of the course is for the participants to learn to translate the archaeological craft into practical research work. The degree project involves an independent research effort based on relevant issues, applied to an adequate archaeological source material and in dialogue with previous research in the field, as well as critical reflection on and use of current archaeological theories and methods. The course consists of three modules where the purpose is to be able to present the research results in a larger independent essay step by step, with clearly defined intermediate goals.

Instruction

The teaching takes place in the form of supervision individually or in groups in Swedish or English. Course participants must regularly participate in the higher seminar for archaeology and social life throughout the course period, and in all essay seminars.

Assessment

The degree project can be written in Swedish or English. Course participants are examined by completing written milestones on modules 1-2 where the supervisor is the examiner. The grading system for modules 1 and 2 is fail (U) and pass (G). Module 3, the completed essay, is examined through (1) a seminar where the participant takes on the role of both opponent and respondent, (2) through review of the degree project by an independently employed teacher. The grade is discussed in the examination meeting. In the event of a disagreement between the supervisor and the examiner, the director of studies has the right to appoint a second examiner. (3) Uploading of the completed essay in DiVA. The grading system for module 3 and the complete course is fail (U), pass (G), and pass with distinction (VG).

Other regulations

The course replaces 5AR757 Master's Thesis in Archaeology 45.0 credits and cannot be included in the same degree.