Course content

The master's thesis is an independent written work that can be compared in scope and depth to a scientific article. The master's thesis must show that the candidate can define and investigate a film studies argument in a way that constitutes a new contribution to research in the field.

Early in the semester students will receive written feedback on their first draft of the MA thesis, which was one of the compulsory assignments in FILM3100. On the basis of this feedback they work out a revision plan for the rest of the thesis.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course the student will have:

• in-depth knowledge of film studies theories and concepts with relevance for their self-selected topic
• an overview of and insight into historical and contemporary debates within a specific film studies research field

Skills

Upon successful completion of the course the student will know how to:

• execute a thorough, research-based written work (master's thesis)
• use relevant theories and methods in an appropriate way
• justify their choice of sources, specialist literature, and methods of presentation in relation to a formulated argument
• reflect critically on their own professional practice and adjust this under supervision

• communicate their reasoning in adequate professional language, and according to academic standards
• make assessments of relevant research ethical problems

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision, seminar. Early in the semester, students will receive written feedback on their first draft of the MA thesis, which was one of the compulsory assignments in FILM3100. In light of the feedback, the student and the supervisor draw up a revision plan which forms the basis for the work to complete the master's thesis within the stated deadline.

Compulsory assignment:

• Revision plan, approx. 1000-2000 words, developed on the basis of feedback received on the first draft submitted as part of FILM3100.

The scope of the master's thesis must be approx. 10,000 words. The number of words does not include the bibliography and appendices. The number of words must be listed in the assignment, and it is the student's responsibility that the number of words listed is correct. The topic for the master's thesis must normally be approved within the framework of the project development course FILM3100, which is taken before FILM3200. When submitting the master's thesis, all students must write a summary of the master's thesis consisting of 1/2 - 1 page. The summary must be written in Norwegian and English. Students are obliged to keep informed of current messages from the department or teacher via Blackboard. The standard number of supervision hours for master's theses at the Faculty of Humanities is described in the following link: https://i.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/Norsk/Masters+agreement+-+Faculty+of+Humanities.

Compulsory assignments

• Revision plan

Further on evaluation

The final assessment of the master's thesis is adjusted by an oral exam. The oral exam consists of a discussion of the project with the examiners, which lasts up to 60 minutes.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master's programme in Film and Media Studies, with the chosen direction of film studies. Requires that the student has passed the preparatory course FILM3100.