Prerequisite course for this course is: ET609E Education: Research Methodology, Research Ethics and Academic Writing III

The purpose of the course is for the student to develop a scholarly approach by planning, carrying out, and defending an independent and critical academic study.

Throughout the course, the student will independently plan and write a thesis within the field of educational theory. Based on a relevant research problem, the student will choose and argue for an appropriate theoretical, methodological, and ethical approach. The thesis will be placed in a relevant research context within educational theory. At the end of the course, the student will defend the thesis at a seminar. The student will also critically discuss the thesis of another student.

Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to

1. Formulate and delimit a research problem within the field of educational theory;

2. Compile literature within the chosen field of study, and critically relate the thesis in relation to the literature;

3. Motivate and problematize theoretical and methodological considerations in relation to the field of study;

4. Carry out an independent study in the field of educational theory.

5. Evaluate, draw conclusions, and argue for the relevance of the thesis with regards to the field of study;

6. Discuss the promise and limitations of the thesis regarding methodological and ethical concerns;

7. Present their work in a scholarly text;

8. Present and defend the thesis as well as critically discuss and evaluate another student’s thesis.

The course contains a variation of work models that may involve meetings with a supervisor -- individually as well as in a group setting – and seminars. The work forms will develop based on the purpose and aims of the course, in close collaboration between student and supervisor. In the main, the course is carried out independently by the student with the appropriate support from the supervisor.

The course will be assessed through an individually authored academic thesis and a seminar where the student will orally defend the thesis as well as critically discuss and evaluate the thesis of another student.

The course coordinator will provide information about grading criteria at the start of the course.

It must be possible to distinguish between individual performances for all assessments.

Course literature is selected by the student in consultation with the supervisor.

Students who participate in or complete a course must be given the opportunity to share their experiences and provide feedback on the course via a course evaluation issued by the University. The University will compile the course evaluations and provide information regarding the results and any measures taken as a result of the course evaluation. Results will be made available to the students. (Higher Education Ordinance 1:14).

Teaching is given in English.