https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_ZAMAACWSCR1. Knowledge and understanding: The student is able to systematically and expediently collect and interpret information on a self-chosen subject in the interdisciplinary field of Comparative Arts & Media Studies. He or she is able to read, understand and analyse academic and other complex texts. In this way, the student acquires demonstrable knowledge and understanding that go further and deeper than the level of the Bachelor’s programme and is capable of making an original contribution to the development and/or application of ideas. 2. Applying knowledge and understanding: The student is able to apply knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within a broader context that relates to Comparative Arts & Media Studies. He/she is able to integrate knowledge and to deal with complex material. 3. Making judgments: The student is able to discern general themes and make connections which are meaningfully supported by a wide variety of primary and secondary literature and primary sources where relevant. He/she is able to independently, critically and honestly formulate and defend a position. 4. Communication: The student is able to present a complex problem clearly and concisely in written or spoken form to an audience of Comparative Arts & Media specialists and non-specialists. 5. Combination of the above: The student is able to write a scientific paper in clear, effective and academic language and to deliver it within an agreed period. 6. Learning skills: The student possesses sufficient learning skills to tackle further studies that are largely self-directed or autonomous in nature.The programme of Comparative Arts & Media Studies culminates in the Master’s thesis, which gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills and your competence as a critic. The thesis shows your ability to develop relevant research questions, to systematically gather, select and interpret information, to create a theoretical framework, and to argue a case in an independent, objective and responsible manner. The Master thesis is related to the Master's programme and is supervised by one of our academic staff. A second reader reads the final version as well.Colloquium and individual supervision.The thesis trajectory is well spread up over the Master's year. A first preliminary meeting is mostly held by late October/ early November. First setups are expected mid-December and discussed with staff before Christmas. Official working plans & contracts are handed in the end of January. Around April formal presentations will be held. Complete first versions are handed in between early to mid-May (depending on supervisors), final versions mostly late June.For the manual of the Master Thesis and additional guidelines: see VU-net. The course also makes use of a Canvas site.Master Students Comparative Arts and Media Studies.Proposals unrelated to the Master will not be accepted, neither will be papers below or over the Faculty maximum of words. Writing proper English is required.Successful completion of the course Materialities of Media L_ZAMAACW021 is a requirement for being allowed to start with the thesis trajectory.