Specialized Master's Topic I: Area of Specialization related to the Master's Thesis in Scandinavian Language

The aim of this course is to help students choose a topic for their master's thesis and find a supervisor(s) at the end of the semester. The focus of the course is to develop a project outline as a starting point for the master thesis. The project outline should have a clear thesis and several work hypotheses is recommended. The student is asked to describe their method(s), source material and other material. The projects outline shall include a documentation of relevant literature and a draft for bibliography. Also, the student should present a plan for their work with the thesis.

Knowledge:
The candidate in NORD3501 has:
- an understanding of basic ethical standards of research and scientific requirements
- acquired knowledge of bibliographic study, source review and source criticism for their master's thesis and the specific field of the master's thesis
- recognition and knowledge of the characteristics of an academic text
- knowledge of the requirements of academic publishing

Proficiency:
The candidate in NORD3501:
- can design an independent research project and outline consequences and hypotheses
- can examine and consider methodological problems in relation to their research
- can predispose a research project
- has knowledge of bibliographic techniques
- can prepare and present a project outline
- can interpret research plans and drafts

Seminars. Individual supervision.
Course requirements:
Presentation in seminar.
Asessment: approved outline for thesis. The project outline shall be discussed in the seminar and handed in for approval by the end of the semester. The project outline will be evaluated by a comittee of the student's academic superviser and another teacher at the department. The project outline will receive the grades approved/not approved and it should be approximately 5 pages. Students at the master's program in Scandinavian Studies, who study full time (any delays must be discussed with the department) should have their draft approved by the end of the first semester of study. An approved project outline is neccessary to continue the work with the master's thesis.