course-details-portlet

TYSK3901

Master's Thesis in German

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 30
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025 / Spring 2026
Duration 2 semesters
Language of instruction German
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Master's thesis and adjusting oral exam

About

About the course

Course content

The master's thesis can be an examination of a subject in the areas of German linguistics, literature or civilization. One may choose a didactical approach to the subject. The thesis should demonstrate the student's ability to work independently and in accordance with scholarly practices, and cover approximately 15. 000 words. The work shall be written i German. The thesis shall include an appendix of up to 1 page in which the student explains the relevance of the work for the teaching profession. All candidates are required to write an abstract of their research in Norwegian covering 1/2 - 1 pages to be placed at the beginning of the thesis.

Learning outcome

Linguistics:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has extensive knowledge of theories, system of concepts and methods within modern German linguistics and specialised knowledge in a limited area

- is able to see their knowledge in a contrastive perspective (Norwegian - German)

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to apply, analyse and compare different depictions, theories and methods within modern German linguistics

- is able to utilise a precise linguistic system of concepts on various issues in scientific research written in German

- is able to locate relevant sources and bibliographies and apply these critically in argumentations written in German

- is able to reflect on linguistic differences between Norwegian and German and make use of this in both oral and written German

- is able to plan and complete an independent, limited research project in German under supervision

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills

- has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables them to have discussions with someone from a different background

Literature:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has insight into the chosen material and is able to relate it to the literary and historical context

- has extensive knowledge of German cultural and literary history

- is able to utilise a precise system of concepts on different types of texts and questions within scientific research in German

- has extensive knowledge of central literary concepts and is able to utilise these in analyses of literary texts

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to work critically with relevant sources and bibliographies

- is able to present and discuss professional questions in German

- is able to complete an independent research project in German under supervision

- is able to reflect on and analyse complex material by utilising a scientific system of concepts

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers both orally and in writing in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills -has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables them to have discussions with someone from a different background

Culture:

KNOWLEDGE

The candidate

- has extended knowledge of German cultural history and/or cultural theory

- has insight into the paradigmatic relationship between cultural forms of expression in the broadest sense, and their content and function

- is able to utilise a precise system of concepts in German on various cultural phenomena, such as text, images, exhibitions or movies

- has extended knowledge of terminology and theories in contemporary cultural theory and specialized knowledge in a limited area

PROFICIENCY

The candidate

- is able to work critically with relevant sources and bibliographies

- is able to present and discuss professional questions in German

- is able to complete an independent research project in German under supervision

- is able to reflect on and analyse complex material by utilising a scientific system of concepts

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The candidate

- is able to work with large quantities of text, obtain an overview and extract the main points

- is able to utilise a scientific system of concepts on complex material

- is able to present questions, views and answers both orally and in writing in a clear and well founded matter

- is able to formulate research questions, assess suitability of method and validity and consider sources

- has communication and presentation skills

- has an interdisciplinary and cultural proficiency which enables them to have discussions with someone from a different background

Learning methods and activities

Individual supervision. Please see link for the numbers of hours of supervision eligible for your master's thesis https://innsida.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/Norsk/Masteravtale+HF

Further on evaluation

The master's thesis must be written in German, and include a Norwegian abstract. The grade is adjusted through an oral examination in German of about 20 minutes. The oral examination will be cancelled if the thesis has been failed by the examiners. It is not possible for students who have been awarded a passing grade for the master's thesis in German to have a new master's thesis in German assessed (cf. the academic regulations for NTNU, §5-9). Students whose master's thesis has been assessed as a Fail (F) may apply to the department to submit a new thesis (cf. the additional academic regulations of the Faculty of Humanities).

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to the master's programme in Language Studies with Teacher Education (MLSPRÅK), specialization in German, or Master's Degree with integrated Postgraduate Certificate in Education (MPPU), specliaization in German.

Subject areas

  • German

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Language and Literature

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Master's thesis and adjusting oral exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Master's thesis and adjusting oral exam
Weighting 100/100 Date Submission 2025-11-17 Time Submission 12:00 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Master's thesis and adjusting oral exam
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment