Master's Thesis, Distance Learning
The course is offered as a single-subject course. The course is part of the Master's Program in Eastern Christian Studies.
The course includes an independent project which is presented in the form of a scientific thesis. The course covers theory and method that form the basis for relevant scientific development within the chosen field. The course presupposes previous training in how to write scientific essays and how to present scientific results, as well as a thorough understanding of Eastern Christian studies. Each student has their own supervisor. Together with the supervisor, the student chooses a topic (biblical studies, church history, liturgical studies or ecclesiology).
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
Skills:
- demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the current state of research within a independently chosen subfield;
- demonstrate advanced methodological knowledge;
Competencies and skills:
- demonstrate skills in independent processing and analysis;
- compare and analyse different research positions within a thematic area;
- analyse and argue in favour of different theoretical positions, both in terms of methodology and content;
- critically discuss and relate different theoretical positions to each other, both methodologically and in terms of content;
- demonstrate the ability to critically, independently and creatively identify a research problem and formulate scientific questions;
- demonstrate the ability to plan and carry out an advanced research task using appropriate methods within given time frames;
- give an oral presentation of a critical text analysis and discuss it in dialogue with various interlocutors;
- take part in research and conduct development work in the field of Eastern Christian studies in accordance with academic standards and professional practice;
Assessment and approach:
- assess and evaluate the scientific and societal relevance of research problems within the sub-discipline;
- demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research, including codes of conduct, issues of plagiarism and the potential impact of one's research;
- assess and evaluate scientific argumentation within the subfield;
- demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge;
- demonstrate the ability to integrate knowledge of Eastern Christian studies with knowledge of a sustainable society in relation to democratic, cultural and ecological perspectives.
Requirements
A Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, comprising 180 higher education credits and including an independent project demonstrating the applicant's ability in academic writing, within the humanities, social sciences, educational sciences, theology, law, or health sciences, as well as 60 higher education credits in religious studies/theology or Eastern Christian studies, or equivalent competence (either as part of, or in addition to, the Bachelor's degree). In addition, 30 higher education credits at the second-cycle level are required, including all compulsory introductory courses during the first semester. Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary school course English 6 is required.
Course Literature
Reading material will be assigned based on the student’s individual approach and the nature and scope of their thesis topic.
Syllabus
See syllabus for further information.