KIN4590 – Chinese: Master’s Degree thesis in Asian and African Studies
Course content
The Master’s Degree thesis should be a scientific investigation of a theoretical or empirical kind; it represents an independent piece of research, carried out under supervision. The research question should be precisely defined, the method well founded and the argumentation systematically presented. The subject and research topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with contemporary Chinese culture and society, and are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor. Supervision is compulsory. The thesis should be about 70 to 100 pages (2300 characters per page). The thesis is normally written in English, alternatively in a Scandinavian language.
In addition to supervision, students must attend a monthly thesis seminar (3 meetings per semester) led by members of the academic staff. The seminar gives students opportunities to present and discuss drafts and sketches, as well as training in commenting on the drafts and sketches of other students.
Learning outcome
The writing of the thesis provides students with training in developing research projects from original idea to fully completed research report in the form of a Master’s thesis. An aim of the thesis work is also to develop the students’ ability to critically and independently assess source material in accordance with relevant theories.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Admission to the MA degree programme in Chinese under the Programme for Asian and African Studies and passing grades in all the introductory courses of this subject area.
Teaching
Academic supervision of the Master’s degree thesis is compulsory. Up to 15 hours of individual supervision will be given. Supervisors will be assigned by the department. Supervision commences when the Agreement of supervision is signed, and follows these guidelines.
Participation in the monthly thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff is compulsory. Students who spend part of their study time abroad may apply for partial exemption.
Examination
The MA thesis is to be handed in by 1 December in the Autumn semester and 1 June in the Spring semester.
Language of examination
The thesis is normally written in English, alternatively in a Scandinavian language.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Withdrawal from an examination
A master’s thesis that is not passed may be resubmitted only once, and then within the agreed time and in revised form. A master’s thesis that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
A Master's thesis which has received a failing grade (F) can only be submitted one more time, by a stipulated deadline and in revised form. If a Master's thesis receives a passing exam result (A-E) in the first attempt, it may not be submitted again in a revised form, see Regulations for studies and examinations at the University of Oslo, § 5.6 (5).
Other
Useful information about Master’s studies at IKOS
(This information will soon be available in English).