course-details-portlet

FI3111

Specialization 1

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 15
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

This course allows students to select an area of philosophy in which they want to specialize. The students are encouraged to follow one of the department’s seminars (or lecture series), which are offered during the fall term.

Learning outcome

According to the course curriculum, a candidate who passes this course is expected to have the following learning outcome (defined as knowledge and skills):

Knowledge

  • The candidate has in-depth knowledge of a particular topic or problem area
  • The candidate has the overview and breadth of knowledge needed for doing specialized work

Skills

  • Compared to specialization courses at bachelor's level, students at master's level are expected to demonstrate a greater degree of independence in their dealings with philosophical research questions.
  • The candidate has the ability to orient themselves in an extensive literature and find complementary literature of relevance to the chosen research question.
  • The candidate has the ability to solve the research question through an independent written assignment, with clear argumentation/discussion, under supervision.
  • The candidate has the ability to present the assignment/essay, or a draft thereof, orally.

Learning methods and activities

Seminars, supervision, and self-study.

The mandatory oral presentation, on agreement, is given in FI3021 Theory and Method, in the Master's seminar, or in a Specialization seminar offered during the fall term.

The obligatory activity can only be approved the semester the course is taught but is valid for this semester and the subsequent semester.

Compulsory assignments

  • Oral presentation
  • Approved course material/reading list

Further on evaluation

The assessment is based on an assignment/essay (6000-10000 words) written with supervision, which makes up 60% of the final grade, and a four-hour written exam (no materials), which makes up 40% of the final grade. The written exam aims to a greater extent to test breadth of knowledge and to prevent cheating. Students are strongly advised to submit a draft version of their assignment/essay to their supervisor for feedback prior to final submission. Both exams must be passed in the same semester. In case of retakes, students must redo both exams.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Philosophy and Ethics (MFI)

Required previous knowledge

Admission to the Master's programme in Philosophy and Ethics.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
FI3103 15 sp Autumn 2025
FI3203 15 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Philosophy

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 4/10 Examination aids Code E Date 2025-12-15 Time 15:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL310 hvit sone
4 candidates
Room SL311 lyseblå sone
7 candidates
Room SL311 brun sone
2 candidates
Room SL311 orange sone
2 candidates
Assignment
Weighting 6/10 Date Release 2025-10-01
Submission 2025-12-08
Time Release 09:00
Submission 14:00
Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 4/10 Examination aids Code E Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Assignment
Weighting 6/10 Exam system Inspera Assessment