JAP4693 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan

Course content

The Master’s thesis represents an independent piece of research, carried out under supervision. The research question should be precisely defined, the method well founded and the argumentation systematically presented. The subject and research topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with modern and/or contemporary Japanese culture, history, international relations, politics, religion, society, literature, and language, and are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor.

The thesis should be between 35 to 50 pages (approx. 2300 characters per page) and should include Japanese sources.

A 30-credit Master`s thesis in Modern Japan must be combined with AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East or studies abroad in the third semester.

Learning outcome

• The writing of the thesis provides students with training in developing research projects from original idea to fully completed research report in the form of a Master’s thesis.
• An aim of the thesis work is also to develop the students’ ability to critically and independently assess source material in accordance with relevant theories.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Admission to the programme option Modern Japan under the Programme for Asia and Middle East Studies.

JAP4010 – Theory and Method in Japanese Studies

AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East or studies abroad in the third semester.

Overlapping courses

• 30 credits overlap with JAP4595 – Master's Thesis in Japanese Studies.

Teaching

Academic supervision of the Master’s thesis is compulsory. Up to 8 hours of individual supervision will be given. Supervisors will be assigned by the department. Supervision commences when the Supervision Agreement(pdf) is signed.

Compulsory activities

• In order to hand in your thesis, you must give a presentation about your thesis at a thesis seminar. Such seminars take place 1-3 times per semester and are led by a member of the academic staff.

An approved oral presentation is valid on a permanent basis.

Examination

The Master`s thesis is to be handed in by 1 December in the Autumn semester and 1 June in the Spring semester.

Guidelines for submission of a Master`s thesis at IKOS.

Language of examination

You can write your thesis in English (recommended) or a Scandinavian language.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.