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 term of the program. In this course, 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 term, 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 of relevance for records management and long-term preservation of digital archives.

The course is closely linked to teaching given in the first term, and with teaching and work in the last year of the master's program.

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 for research topic for the master's thesis
• can communicate plans for their research work both orally and in writing
• can reflect on and communicate about professional issues, challenges, methods and sources relevant to records management
• shall lay the foundation for having a research ethics and healthy critical attitude towards the research work

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars, group work and student R&D work. Lectures, seminars and group work takes place primarily digitally (in real time), but teaching and learning activities on campus may occur.

Compulsory activities/assignments

Written outline for choice of main theme and research topic

First draft of project plan

Oral presentation of the project plan first draft at a seminar

Compulsory assignments

• Written outline for choosing a topic/problem
• Written first draft of the project plan
• Oral presentation of first draft at seminar

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

DOK3001, DOK3002, DOK3003

Course materials

The course reading list and course plan will be published on NTNU's digital learning platform (Blackboard) at the beginning of term. Minor changes to the list may occur during term. Students are obliged to keep informed and up-to-date on all information from teachers via the learning platform and NTNU e-mails.