Course content

The course provides the student with knowledge as well as professional and methodological support for a thorough preparation for work on the master's thesis in the last semester of the study. In this subject, the student must find a current and relevant topic for the master's thesis and prepare a research discussion based on this topic. The research discussion must contain an overarching problem formulation and an explanation that illuminates how the topic has been treated so far, and how the master's thesis will place itself in the research field. The research discussion must also include an explanation of the choice of scientific method (research design) and a milestone plan with regard to the upcoming master's thesis. Throughout the semester, the student will work with literature searches, description of relevant research, formulation of scientific method, description of research questions and research ethics. The student will be able to build up a good overview of the research status for the chosen topic and get an introduction to newer social science research methods with relevance for documentation management and long-term preservation of digital archives. The subject is closely related to the teaching given in previous semesters, and with teaching and work in the last semester in the master's thesis subject.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student:

• Has in-depth knowledge of research literature, theory and methods within documentation management, related to the subject area of ​​the master's thesis

• Can identify knowledge gaps and significant challenges within documentation management in the public and private sector

Skills

The student:

• Can carry out a literature search and select relevant research literature with a focus on the topic of the master's thesis

• Can work independently to establish a research project of a certain size and over a certain period of time related to documentation management

• Can prepare a problem with associated research design, relevant theory, as well as a plan for method use and data collection

• Can prepare a realistic plan for how the project is to be carried out within the time frame and with the resources available

General competence

The student:

• Can make personal justified and professionally reflected choices of problem for the master's thesis

• Can communicate plans for his research work both orally and in writing

•Can reflect on and communicate about professional issues, challenges, methods and sources relevant to documentation management

• Shall lay the foundation for having a research ethics and hea1lthy critical attitude towards the research work

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, group work and student R&D work.

Compulsory assignments

• Mandatory assignments according to the course description

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

DOK3001, DOK3002, DOK3003

Course materials

An updated reading list will be available in Blackboard by the start of studies. See Blackboard for more details.