Research Master Thesis Humanities, Literature and Contested Spaces

Course

URL study guide

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

Course Objective

Students learn how to: delineate an original research topic; connect this topic to a broader socio-cultural context; build a theoretical framework that transcends disciplinary boundaries; structure an argument; analyze primary sources; find and assess secondary sources; write academic English; adhere to the MLA citation style; plan research and writing tasks; and incorporate feedback in their writing.

Course Content

The thesis trajectory consists of two phases: (1) preparation and (2) writing. (1) During the preparation phase, students delineate a thesis topic and write out a proposal. Based on the proposal, a supervisor is assigned. (2) During the writing phase, students meet with their supervisor for one-on-one feedback sessions on their written work. The outcome of the trajectory is a thesis of 25,000 to 40,000 words.

Teaching Methods

The dates of the one-on-one meetings will be announced in the syllabus, which will be posted on Canvas.

Method of Assessment

The supervisor and a second assessor will assess the thesis on: topicdelineation and relevance; use of theory; structured presentation of findings; precise analysis of primary materials; incorporation of secondary sources; cogency and persuasiveness of arguments; academic English writing; implementation of MLA citation style; originality of topic and approach; and the student’s independence during both the preparation and writing phases.

Literature

This will be decided on an individual basis.

Target Audience

This thesis trajectory is part of the Research Master’s programHumanities, track Literature and Contested Spaces.

Additional Information

For any and all questions regarding this thesis trajectory, students should contact the thesis coordinator (dr. Erin La Cour) via email ([email protected]).

Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the Research Master’s thesis trajectory are stipulated in Teaching and Examination Regulations 2023-2024, and they are leading. The activities for the thesis form the conclusion of the study programme and will generally take place in the second semester of year 2. If the programme stipulates as such, the student is also expected to participate in the thesis colloquia as part of their trajectory. For entry into the Spring trajectory (second semester year 2) it is recommended that you have completed all modules from the first three semesters. For entry into the Fall trajectory (first semester year 3) it is recommended that you have completed all (non-thesis) modules.

Explanation Canvas

All relevant information (e.g., syllabus, assessment form) will be posted on Canvas. In addition, students must upload both draft and final versions of their thesis to Canvas. Hence, as soon as students have access to the Canvas site of the thesis trajectory, they should carefully read through all the documents posted there.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level30.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master