Examination arrangement

Course content

The master's thesis can be an examination of a subject in the areas of German linguistics, literature or culture. It should demonstrate the student's ability to work independently and in accordance with scholarly practices. The thesis normally comprises about 30,000 words. In special cases the department may also approve several smaller works if these have the quality and thematic coherence of a normal master's thesis. Group work may also be approved as a master's thesis if the candidate's part of it is well defined and equals a normal master's thesis in size and quality. The thesis should be written in German. All candidates are required to write an abstract of their research in Norwegian covering 1/2 - 1 pages to be placed at the beginning of the thesis.

Learning outcome

Linguistics:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has extensive knowledge of theories, system of concepts and methods within modern German linguistics and specialised knowledge in a limited area

- is able to see their knowledge in a contrastive perspective (Norwegian - German)

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to apply, analyse and compare different depictions, theories and methods within modern German linguistics

- is able to utilise a precise linguistic system of concepts on various issues in scientific research written in German

- is able to locate relevant sources and bibliographies and apply these critically in argumentations written in German

- is able to reflect on linguistic differences between Norwegian and German and make use of this in both oral and written German

- is able to plan and complete an independent, limited research project in German under supervision

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills

- has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables them to have discussions with someone from a different background

Literature:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has insight into the chosen material and is able to relate it to the literary and historical context

- has extensive knowledge of German cultural and literary history

- is able to utilise a precise system of concepts on different types of text and questions within scientific research in German

- has extensive knowledge of central literary concepts and is able to utilise these in analyses of literary texts

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to work critically with relevant sources and bibliographies

- is able to present and discuss professional questions in German

- is able to complete an independent research project in German under supervision

- is able to reflect on and analyse complex material by utilising a scientific system of concepts

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers both orally and in writing in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills

- has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables him/her to have discussions with someone from a different background

Culture:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has extended knowledge of German cultural history and/or cultural theory

- has insight into the paradigmatic relationship between cultural forms of expression in the broadest sense, and their content and function

- is able to utilise a precise system of concepts in German on various cultural phenomena, such as text, images, exhibitions or movies

- has extended knowledge of terminology and theories in contemporary cultural theory and specialized knowledge in a limited area

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to work critically with relevant sources and bibliographies

- is able to present and discuss professional questions in German

- is able to complete an independent research project in German under supervision

- is able to reflect on and analyse complex material by utilising a scientific system of concepts

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers both orally and in writing in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills

- has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables them to have discussions with someone from a different background

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision. Please see link for the numbers of hours of supervision eligible for your master’s thesis https://innsida.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/Norsk/Masteravtale+HF

Further on evaluation

The master's thesis must be written in German, and include a Norwegian abstract. The grade is adjusted through an oral examination in German of about 30 minutes. The oral examination will be cancelled if the thesis has been failed by the examiners. It is not possible for students who have been awarded a passing grade for the master's thesis in German to have a new master's thesis in German assessed (cf. the academic regulations for NTNU, §5-9). Students whose master's thesis has been assessed as a Fail (F) may apply to the department to submit a new thesis (cf. the additional academic regulations of the Faculty of Humanities).

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Bachelor's degree with specialisation in German. Students who want to write on a topic in literature should have completed the courses LITT3001, LITT3002,TYSK3401 and TYSK3700. Students who want to write on a topic in linguistics should have completed the courses SPRÅK3001, SPRPÅK3002, TYSK3401 and TYSK3600. Students who want to write on a topic in Cultural Studies should have completed the courses HIST3105 and HIST3115.

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master programme in German.

Credit reductions