Master Thesis Design Cultures

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_ZAMAADCSCR

Course Objective

- Knowledge and understanding: The students are able to systematically and expediently collect and interpret information on a self-chosen subject in the interdisciplinary field of Design Culture. The student is able to read, understand and analyse academic and other complex texts. In this way, the student acquires demonstrable knowledge and understanding that goes 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.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: The student can apply knowledge, understanding and problem-solving skills in new or unfamiliar environments within a broader context that relates to Design Culture. The student can integrate knowledge and to deal with complex material.
- Making judgments: The student can discern general themes and make connections which are meaningfully supported by a wide variety of primary and secondary literature and primary sources where relevant. The student is able to independently, critically and honestly formulate and defend a position.
- (Communication): The student can present a complex problem clearly and concisely in written or spoken form to an audience of design specialists and non-specialists.
- (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.
- (Learning skills): The student possesses sufficient learning skills to tackle further studies that are largely self-directed or autonomous in nature.

Course Content

The programme culminates in the Master’s thesis, which gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your research skills, your competences, and your ability to systematically gather, select and interpret information and to argue a case in an independent, objective and responsible manner. There are a couple of preparatory meetings in November and December to discuss the research topics and the thesis schedule. Students give two presentations of their research progress in February and April/May.

Teaching Methods

-There is a general introduction to the thesis by the coordinator. -Students present the advance of their research twice. Students not presenting will be deducted 0,5 point for each event. These presentations are mandatory and non-resitable. -There is a maximum of eight supervisory sessions between student and supervisor.

Method of Assessment

Written thesis of between 15,000 and 25,000 words in length

Literature

See Canvas

Target Audience

Students MA Arts & Culture: Design Cultures only

Entry Requirements

Students must pass Design, Culture & Society (L_AAMAACW004; period 1)before starting the individual trajectory.