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KIN4593 - Master's Thesis in Chinese Society and Politics (30 ECTS)

Course content

The master’s thesis should be a scientific investigation of a theoretical or empirical kind; it 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 contemporary Chinese society and politics, and is chosen in cooperation with the supervisor. Supervision is compulsory. The thesis should be about 35 to 50 pages (2300 characters per page), and at least 20 % of the bibliography should consist of publications in Chinese. The thesis is normally written in English, alternatively in a Scandinavian language.

This course is combined with AAS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and Africa

In addition to supervision, students must attend a monthly thesis seminar (3 meetings per semester) led by members of the academic staff. The seminar gives students opportunities to present and discuss drafts and sketches, as well as training in commenting on the drafts and sketches of other students.

Learning outcomes

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

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.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

Admission to the MA programme option Chinese Society and Politics under the Programme for Asian and African Studies and passing grades in the course KIN4510 - Approaches to the study of Chinese Society and Politics. Theories and Methodologies

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 Agreement of supervision is signed, and follows these guidelines.

Participation in the monthly thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff is compulsory. Students who spend part of their study time abroad may apply for partial exemption.

Exam information

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

Language of examination

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

Assessment and grading

Course grades are awarded on a descending scale using alphabetic grades from A to E for passes and F for fail. Read more about the grading system .

Explanations and appeals

Students can request an explanation of their grades, and can also appeal against their grades or make a complaint about formal examination errors. Read more about explanations and appeals

Withdrawing from exams and limits on re-takes

A master's thesis which has received a failing grade (F) can only be submitted one more time, by a stipulated deadline and in revised form. If a master's thesis receives a passing exam result (A-E) in the first attempt, it may not be submitted again in a revised form, see Regulations for studies and examinations at the University of Oslo, § 5.6 (5).

Other information

Useful information about Master’s studies at the Department of Culture Studies and Oriental Languages
(This information will soon be available in English).

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