Course content

The course gives the student insight into the use of sources, theory and method in the work on the master's thesis. The course is a preparation for the master's thesis and covers two semesters of the first year of study.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

After completing the course, the student has:

• comprehensive understanding of current sources for the master's thesis, both primary and secondary sources, and how they can be used critically in an argument
• in-depth knowledge of formal aspects of the master's thesis as a genre

Skills

After completing the course, the student is able to:

• find relevant sources and plan how these can be critically used in a professional argumentation
• apply different theoretical and methodological approaches to a specific art historical research object
• reflect on the selection of relevant sources for a specific research project
• plan an independent, limited research project under supervision

Learning methods and activities

Seminars, self-activity and oral presentations. The course is taken the first two semesters of the master's program, with completion and assessment in the second semester. The teaching will be about the choice of sources, theory and method, and you will gain insight into a wide range of different art historical traditions and methods through different academic texts. The course will also thematize how to plan and write a scientific work in art history.

The student makes a project sketch the first semester, which provides a basis for assigning a supervisor. The supervisor helps the student to prepare the submission of a full project description. The project description is applied for approval by the department together with the bibliography.

In order to sit for the exam, the student must attend the seminars both semesters, 80 % attendance is required.

The master's seminar also serves as a gathering forum for all the master's students to present and give feedback on work in progress.

Obligatory activities:

• Approved project description approx. 1000 words (submitted in the autumn semester)
• Bibliography with scope approx. 750 pages
• Compulsory attendance 80 % on teaching

The students are required to keep posted on messages from the department or teacher at Blackboard.

Compulsory assignments

• 80 % attendance on teaching
• Project sketch
• Bibliography

Specific conditions

Course materials

The required reading list will be available at the beginning of the semester.