VMS4200 – Philology in an interdisciplinary perspective
Course description
Course content
This course treats philology in an inter-disciplinary perspective. The students will be introduced to aspects of medieval studies where insights into related historical disciplines might be both fruitful and difficult. The theoretical and methodological similarities and differences will be discussed based on case studies. The course deals with important questions in connection with writing a master's thesis with a inter-disciplinary approach. It will also treat practical aspects of writing a master thesis, such as how to write academically, how to arrive at a realistic problem based on a selection of sources and academic literature. Students will write a semester assignment that is intended to form a project description for their own master thesis and will present drafts of the assignment for discussion in seminars.
Learning outcome
The course is intended to give insight into scientific theories and methods related to inter-disiplinary research with a focus on philology. A first aim will be to provide insights into the inter-disciplinary field of medieval studies and place philology within this field. A second aim is to find a feasible project theme for the master's thesis. By the end of the semester, students should have completed a project description and progress plan, identified problems, taken part in discussions on theory and method, and acquired an overview of the history of research and an adequate knowledge of relevant source categories and reference literature related to the topic of their master thesis.
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
A place on a Masters degree programme.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course builds on the level of knowledge gained by a bachelor degree in Medieval West European Studies, or another Bachelor's degree with a major in a subject closely related to the Viking period or the Scandinavian Middle Ages.
Teaching
The teaching is given in 10 double lectures and seminars. Teaching takes place throughout the semester. The students are expected to participate in the seminars, to present their own work with the semester assignment and discuss each others work.
In order to qualify for the exam, the student must hand in one qualifying assignment within a given deadline.
An approved assignment and the reading list is valid for the present and two following semesters the course is given.
Examination
Students are to hand in a semester assignment of ca. 10 standard pages á 2300 keystrokes, excluding spaces (the bibliography is not counted among the 10 pages).
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
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
Resit an examination
Withdrawal from an examination
A term paper or equivalent 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.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.