Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to prepare an independent, scientific work (thesis), which shows that the student is well acquainted with cultural anthropological knowledge production, theory and method and has the ability to present this in an own study. The degree project in cultural anthropology at the advanced level, 45 Hp (two-year master's degree) is more extensive in scope and greater demands are placed on theoretical and methodological depth in comparison with the degree project at advanced level with a specialization in cultural anthropology (one-year master's degree).

After completing the course, the student is expected to have/be able to:

• in-depth knowledge and insights in the field covered by the degree project;
• independently identify and argue for what are central issues in the subject area;
• follow the development and research in the subject area;
• identify and formulate general cultural anthropological problems relevant to the development of society;
• delineate, design and carry out a research task with a high degree of independence;
• apply anthropological methods, including empirical data collection, independently write and defend a scientific paper that contributes to knowledge and research in the subject area;

Module 1: Contextualized research question

After passing the module, in a written form of 10-15 pages, the student should be able to:

• identify a scientific problem within cultural anthropology
• present and defend a limited research question with sub-questions
• list and describe previous studies relevant to the research question
• list and describe preliminary literature and empirical data that can be used to answer the research question
• present a preliminary outline of the intended study with comments under each heading.

Module 2: Implementation and working methods

After passing the module, in a written form of additional 15 pages, the student should be able to:

• present a preliminary research perspective (theory) that sets the framework for the study
• describe the approach (method) by which the source material is collected and processed through a detailed plan for fieldwork/data collection, including time planning.
• carry out the empirical data collection and present the preliminary results at the master seminar.

Module 3: Completed thesis: results and competences

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

• investigate the identified problem and interpret and evaluate the results in the written form of a thesis.
• present and defend an independently conducted written research effort based on good scientific practice.
• demonstrate a well-developed and correct text in terms of grammar and formalities.
• demonstrate new knowledge in relation to the studied question by analyzing new or existing empirical data.

Content

The aim of the course is to teach participants how to apply the anthropological research perspective to an empirical material. The course consists of the writing of a scientifically documented thesis (degree project). The thesis is an in-depth study of a cultural anthropological subject, chosen in consultation with the teacher/supervisor. It shall demonstrate acquired scientific skills and provide evidence of the ability to independently address problems in the subject's research area. The work is normally based on a minor fieldwork, supplemented by literature studies. The course consists of three sub-courses where the aim is to be able to present the research results in a larger independent paper step-by-step, with clearly defined sub-goals.

Instruction

The topic for the thesis is chosen at the end of the first semester. The choice of the topic requires a discussion with the supervisor. Teaching is given in the form of seminars and individual supervision. Students are normally entitled to supervision only during regular course hours. Attendance at seminars within the courses is mandatory.

Assessment

The degree project should be written in English. Course participants are examined by completing written assignments on parts 1-2 where the supervisor is the examiner. The grading scale for parts 1 and 2 is Fail (U) and Pass (G). Passed results on parts 1 and 2 are required for the student to be examined on part 3.

The examination of module 3 includes that the student shall present a fully completed thesis for review and act as an opponent for another student's thesis at a final defense seminar.  The degree project is graded with one of the grades Fail, Pass or Pass with distinction.

For a passing grade, requested minor corrections must be completed within two weeks after the defense seminar. In case of a failing grade (U), the student can submit a new version of the thesis for a renewed examination and defense, provided that the thesis has been substantially improved.