Gender Studies: Master Thesis, 30 credits

Contents

The major content of this course is to write an independent student thesis in Gender Studies. The objective is to carry out a study in gender studies and formulate relevant research questions that contributes to the fields of gender study empirically, methodologically and theoretically. Apart from the actual writing of a thesis the student is also expected to defend the thesis and to act as a discussant on another student's thesis.

The thesis can be written in Swedish or English.

Expected learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to have an in-depth ability to:

• independently delimit and formulate a well-founded research problem relevant to the field of Gender Studies;
• independently and critically use, discuss, and evaluate theories and concepts from Gender Studies in the analysis of an empirical or theoretical problem area;
• independently select, justify, and apply relevant research methods, and critically reflect on methodological choices, limitations, and implications in relation to the research problem;
• orally defend and critically discuss their own scholarly work, and critically review, evaluate, and act as an opponent on another student’s scholarly work;
• independently conduct and present in writing an in-depth and coherent scholarly study, with clear argumentation, critical engagement with previous research, and an independent contribution to knowledge within the field of Gender Studies;
• demonstrate the ability to independently communicate knowledge within the field of Gender Studies with scholarly precision.

Required Knowledge

60 credits on advanced level in Gender Studies and 15 credits in Research Methods on advanced level for the Social Sciences or humanities or equivalently is required.

Proficiency in English equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies and Swedish from Swedish Upper secondary education if the course is given in Swedish.

Form of instruction

The course is a full time on-line course. The course is taught entirely through an electronic Learning Management System where the student takes part in supervision, reviewing, discussions and other learning activities. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independent and active search for knowledge, and critical reflection, both individually and in groups. The thesis is planned in joint consultation with a supervisor. The result shall be presented in written form and defended in a final seminar.

Examination modes

Examination is in total the completion of a thesis, the defense of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student's thesis.

The grading scale of the course is Fail, Pass and Pass with distinction. To pass involves a passed student thesis and a passed final seminar as a defender of own thesis and as a discussant on a fellow student thesis.

For the grade, passed with distinction, the student thesis must be passed with distinction and the final seminar as a defender of own thesis and as a discussant on a fellow student thesis must be passed. Students that have passed their examination have no right to undertake renewed examination for receiving a higher grade.

Re-exam will be arranged for students that have acquired the grade Fail (U) on mandatory assignments during the course, the completion of a written theses, the defense of the thesis or the acting as a discussant on another student's thesis.

If not due to other circumstances, the student has the right to change examiner after failing to submit a passed thesis after two completions. Examination based on this course syllabus is guaranteed at least two years after the first time the student register on the course.

Transitional provisions

Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits.
The course can be part of a master exam in Gender Studies at Umeå University.