Course content

The bachelor dissertation is a supervised, independent work of research and writing in the field of museums, archives and records management. Students base their dissertation work on knowledge gained in previous courses. Topics are chosen according to interest and relevance, in agreement with a supervisor. The student is expected to work independently, thereby developing skills of planning, executing, and finishing a piece of academic work.

The student can choose between two types of a bachelor's thesis:

Type 1: An academic text of around 20 pages.

Type 2: A practical work carried out at a workplace within the specialist fields of archives and records management or a museum, as well as a professional text of around 10 pages, which deals with the work carried out. The student must make the agreement about hospitalization with the workplace. This must be clarified before the start of the term, so that the agreement can be formalized at the start of the term and approved by the subject manager as early in the work process as possible.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

The student

• has in-depth knowledge about the chosen topic
• knows terms and concepts, methods and theories presented throughout the program, especially those relevant to the dissertation

Skills

The student

• can identify and articulate basic research questions within the scope of a chosen topic, and can qualify how these are relevant to their particular work
• can delimit a piece of written academic work, and can justify their choices
• masters the rules of academic writing
• has good language and communication skills
• has good analytical and methodical skills
• can apply their knowledge of the chosen topic

General competence

The student

• can write a coherent academic account and present valid arguments in the area of archives and collections management
• knows and can apply basic principles of academic writing, such as accountability, accuracy, and criticism
• can discuss own work in light of prior research
• has the skills necessary to find relevant information and literature to carry out an academic study within certain parameters

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, seminars and written works. Compulsory activities/work requirements must be approved in the semester the subject is taught (Spring). Students who have previously approved work requirements in the course must contact the teacher responsible for the course at the start of the semester, to get an assessment as to whether the work requirement is still valid.

Supervision of bachelor's thesis is normally given in the semester the subject is taught (Spring). Students who plan to submit their bachelor's thesis in the autumn semester must contact the teacher responsible for the subject at the start of the semester.

Compulsory assignments

• Several thesis drafts
• Seminar attendance

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

LBAS1001, LBAS1002, LBAS1003, LBAS1004, LBAS2001, LBAS2002, LBAS2003, LBAS2004.

Course materials

The course reading list and course plan will be published on NTNU's digital learning platform (Blackboard) at the beginning of term. Minor changes to the list may occur during term. Students are obliged to keep informed and up-to-date on all information from teachers via the learning platform and NTNU e-mails.

Special needs accommodation

Students with disabilities and students with special needs can apply for individual adaptation of their studies and exams (Act relating to universities and university colleges § 10-5). Please contact the programme’s Student Adviser (e-mail: studier@ilu.ntnu.no, phone: (+47) 73 59 04 00).