Bachelor degree in International Relations or related field. Proficiency in English equivalent to English course B in Swedish secondary schools.
This course forms part of Global Political Studies, one-year master’s programme, 60 higher education credits. According to the study plan it is the third course within the programme.
This course forms part of the one-year master programme Global Political Studies. As preparation for the master thesis, the students will further and deepen their knowledge of a current research theme within the major field of study. The aim is for the students to develop their theoretical knowledge and understanding within the field, as well as their understanding of the implications of methodological choices, while advancing their familiarity with ongoing research debates within the field. Each student will, in cooperation with their teacher/examiner, select a few major works for study. A secondary aim of this course is to supplement the student's learning in aspects which are lacking, given the academic background of the student. This decision is made in cooperation with the teacher/examiner. The course is preparatory for the thesis and includes teaching on method. An overarching aim is to strengthen the students' ability to communicate and engage in dialogue, written and oral, about research issues.
Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course the student shall
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of a central research issue within International Relations;
- demonstrate general knowledge about the research field International Relations, sufficient for completing a master thesis within the field;
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant research methods in International Relations; and
- demonstrate understanding for the theoretical implications of methodological choices.
Skills and abilities
On completion of the course the student shall
- demonstrate an in-depth ability to analyze and evaluate information on a scientific basis;
- demonstrate an in-depth ability to formulate and specify a scientific research question;
- demonstrate an in-depth ability to communicate, in writing as well as orally, conclusions of their own work as well as that of others; and
- demonstrate an ability to plan and moderate a scientific discussion.
Judgement and approach
On completion of the course the student shall
- demonstrate an ability to identify their need of further knowledge within the major field of study in general and within the chosen specialization in particular, and to take responsibility for developing their knowledge; and
- demonstrate ability to adopt a multi-disciplinary stance.
Learning activities are mainly individual studies within the chosen area of specialization. Teaching is offered in the form of lectures, supervision (individually or in groups) and method seminars. In addition, the students will organize and lead discussion meetings or workshops, on themes relevant for the specialization studies chosen by the students in the group.
The student will hand in a written report, normally in the form of a research survey. The student will also make an oral presentation of their work at at least one workshop, lead by the students themselves. The student is assessed on the joint basis of the written report and the oral presentation. The student's abilities to adopt a critical stance and to independently evaluate knowledge are central to the assessment. Completing the tasks within a set time frame is also of importance.
Determined individually in cooperation with teacher/examiner.
All students are given the oppourtunity to give their comments at the end of the course, in writing or orally. A compilation of the results will be available on the faculty computer net.
Student participation is in the form of course meetings.