Course content

In this course, which covers semesters 2 and 3 of the master's programme, students develop the topic and work plan for the master's thesis (MV3200).

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of the course the student will:

• have gained deep insight into and knowledge of a specific and self-selected topic within media studies through independent research
• have in-depth knowledge of media studies theories and concepts with relevance for their self-selected topic
• have a broad and up-to-date overview of relevant research in their chosen field

Skills

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

• formulate a researchable academic argument
• plan a research-based written work (master's thesis)
• make well-chosen decisions about the use 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 guidance
• work systematically and according to academic standards
• recognize and reflect on relevant research ethical problems

Learning methods and activities

Project development seminar and individual guidance.

In semester 2, students prepare a project proposal on an independent basis. Based on the proposal, an academic supervisor is assigned. In collaboration with the supervisor, relevant literature is identified and described in an annotated bibliography.

In semester 3, students work primarily to prepare a first draft of their MA thesis, in addition to revising their project proposal and giving a presentation of their project to the department.

Compulsory activity in semester 3:

• Oral presentation of the project to the academic community.
• Hand in first draft of the Master's thesis (approx. 5,000 words).

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.

Further on evaluation

The final evaluation in this course is a portfolio assessment consisting of

• Project proposal (approx. 1000 words), submitted in semester 2
• Annotated bibliography (approx. 5,000 words), submitted in semester 2

• Revised project description (approx. 1500-2000 words), submitted in semester 3

Grade scale is pass/fail.

Portfolio assessment is an assessment form where the final grade is determined on the basis of coursework submitted during the teaching term or towards the end of the semester. Process and progression may form part of this assessment.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master's programme in Film and Media Studies, with the chosen direction of Media Studies.