Course syllabus Master’s Thesis, Political Science

Courses comprising at least 45 higher education credits from the first year of the master's programme, including Politics, Security and Crisis (15 credits) and Methods (15 credits), or equivalent.

The course consists of independently, under supervision, conducting a well-defined scientific study in the main field that has been selected and designed by the student him/herself. At a mid-seminar, the student shall present a thesis draft to teachers and other students. At a thesis seminar, the work shall be presented in writing in the form of a master's thesis. At the thesis seminar, the student shall answer questions about their study, and explain and justify their choices, study design and contribution. Moreover, each student shall initiate a discussion about at least one other master's thesis by serving as student reviewer and shall actively participate in discussions about the theses that are included in their seminar group.

Type of Instruction
Seminars and Supervision

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• based on the current state of research, independently, critically and creatively specify in writing a political science problem within the main field of study, delimit the problem, and perform a study relevant to the posed problem
• clearly present and discuss, both verbally and in writing, the conclusions drawn based on the scientific problem in dialogue with different groups
• present an overview of the subject area and in this demonstrate a breadth of knowledge in the subject area and significantly in-depth knowledge within parts of the subject area
• with the help of demonstrated methodological knowledge in the subject, critically and systematically perform a qualified study, including evaluation and analysis of complex empirical and/or theoretical texts
• present and discuss conclusions that have a clear connection to the problem formulation and purpose and/or questions
• critically and constructively review the scientific theses of others based on accepted social science criteria and good research practice
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for additional knowledge and thereby take responsibility for their knowledge development demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work
• within the given timeframes, be able to communicate the results of learning and research processes both verbally and in writing, thereby defending and discussing the outcome of scientific choices made during the work
• be able to critically evaluate their own contribution in relation to the research area, state of knowledge and social context, and in this demonstrate awareness of the possibilities and limitations of science as well as in-depth insight into the research and development work in question.

Examination
Scope: 30.0

Grading Scale: Fail, Pass, Pass with Distinction

Assessment takes place through presentation of the thesis draft at the mid-seminar, thesis (results of the independent research assignment) defence of the thesis at a thesis seminar, and serving as student reviewer of another thesis. All of these components are mandatory and require attendance and active participation.

The examiner may decide to allow supplementation in order to achieve a passing grade. The time limit for supplementation isthree working daysfrom the date the supplementary assignment is given to the student. Theses submitted after the deadline will not be graded unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Active attendance at the mid-seminar and final thesis seminar is mandatory. Absence from the mid-seminar or thesis seminar cannot be made up. A student who fails to attend any mandatory component may attend the components at the next course instance.

Unless special circumstances exist, the student is only entitled to supervision for the thesis course during the semester in which it is held during the regular programme time. This means that the thesis shall be written and supervision provided during the third semester, calculated from the date of programme registration. If the student returns and wishes to take the thesis course during a later course instance, supervision is only given if resources permit. This principle does not apply to any student who has been granted approved leave from studies.

Grading
Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.

To earn the grade Pass, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars (i.e. mid seminar and thesis seminar), earn a grade of Pass when serving as student reviewer of another student's thesis, earn a grade of Pass for the defence of their own thesis, and earn a grade of Pass for their own thesis.

To earn a grade of Pass with Distinction, the student must actively participate in the mandatory seminars, earn a grade of Pass when serving as student reviewer of another student's thesis, earn a grade of Pass for the defence of their own thesis, and earn a grade of Pass with Distinction for their own thesis.

Restrictions in Number of Examinations
There is no limit on the total number of examination opportunities.

When a course is no longer provided or when the content of a course has been significantly altered, the student has the right to be examined in accordance with this course syllabus twice per academic year over a period of two years.

The course cannot be part of a degree whose content matches the content of this course in whole or in part.

• If a student has a decision from the Swedish Defence University regarding special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student.
• On completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted and will serve as the basis for any changes to the course.

The course is given within the Master's Programme in Politics and War.

The course is given in English.

This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.