Master thesis in philosophy, 30 Credits

Contents

The course is intended to be read during the fourth semester of second cycle studies in philosophy and consists in writing a 30 credits thesis in philosophy under supervision. The topic for the thesis is proposed by the student but must be approved by the course coordinator and the supervisor. The course constitutes the degree project for a two-year master's degree in philosophy. The teaching language is English.

Expected learning outcomes

After having completed the course students will have:

Knowledge and understanding
- demonstrated good knowledge and understanding of key concepts, theories, problems and arguments in philosophy;
- demonstrated good knowledge of philosophical method;
- demonstrated advanced methodological knowledge in the philosophical sub-area treated in the essay;
- demonstrated considerably advanced knowledge in a sub-area of philosophy;
- displayed an overview of the current scientific literature in a sub-area of philosophy;

Skill and ability
- demonstrated the ability to clearly formulate a philosophical thesis that is philosophically and scientifically relevant and appropriately delineated;
- demonstrated the ability to write a well organized and clear philosophical essay;
- demonstrated a good ability to present conclusions that are well supported by clear arguments;
- demonstrated the ability to systematically search for information;
- demonstrated the ability to clearly describe the scientific literature that is relevant to the thesis discussed in the essay;
- demonstrated a good ability to independently analyse and assess philosophical arguments;
- demonstrated the ability to independently and creatively construct and present philosophical arguments;
- demonstrated the ability to write philosophical texts of good linguistic quality;
- demonstrated the ability to treat formalities in a consistent manner and in accordance with accepted standards;
- demonstrated the ability to independently plan, carry out and report a philosophical study;
- demonstrated a good ability to present the results of a philosophical study orally and in writing;
- demonstrated the ability to clearly summarise the results of a philosophical study;

Judgement and approach
- demonstrated the ability to review and evaluate the philosophical work of fellow students;
- demonstrated the ability to examine and evaluate the philosophical work of other researchers.

Required Knowledge

1. Either (a) a bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 ECTS, of which 60 ECTS credits are in philosophy (or an equivalent subject, such as practical or theoretical philosophy), or (b) 90 ECTS credits in philosophy (or equivalent), including a completed course Philosophy C, 30 credits (or equivalent); 2. 30 ECTS credits of second cycle studies in philosophy (or equivalent); 3. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6. Prior studies comprising 60 ECTS credits of second cycle studies in philosophy are recommended.

Form of instruction

The teaching consists of supervision and seminars. The student normally receives supervision only during the period covered by the essay course.
 
Students are required to have access to a computer and a stable internet connection.

Examination modes

The course is examined through an assessment of the essay, the opposition and the participation in general at the essay seminars. On the course as a whole, the grades given are Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). The final grade of the course is a summary assessment of the results, and the course is passed only after all mandatory parts are passed. For the grade Pass with Distinction, special emphasis is placed on the assessment of the extent to which the thesis shows that the student has the ability to clearly formulate a philosophical thesis that is philosophically and scientifically relevant and appropriately delineated; the ability to write a well organized and clear philosophical essay; the ability to present conclusions that are well supported by clear arguments; the ability to independently analyse and assess philosophical arguments: and the ability to independently and creatively construct and present philosophical arguments.
 
Students who fail the examination have a right to retake the examination within two months after the first examination, but not earlier than 10 working days after the results from the original examination has been given to the students and a copy of the exam has been made available. A re-exam must be offered once again within a year. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined. 
 
A student who does not fully meet the objectives of an examination but is close to the limit for a passing grade can, after a decision by the examiner, be given the opportunity to supplement to achieve a passing grade on the course. Completion of the examination must be adapted individually based on the goal or goals that the student has not achieved and must take place within two weeks after the students have been notified of the examination results but before the next examination opportunity. It is only permitted to supplement an unsuccessful result to pass, supplementation for higher grades is not permitted. If the student so wishes, they have the right to carry out a re-examination instead of completion and thus have the opportunity to receive a higher grade than pass.
 
Students who have twice failed a test for a course or part of the course have the right to request from the Faculty director of studies at Faculty of Arts that another examiner be appointed for future re-examinations unless special reasons contradict this.
If examinations or compulsory learning sessions cannot be repeated in accordance with current rules for re-examination, they may be replaced by other forms of assignments. The extent and content of such an assignment shall be in proportion to the missing compulsory sessions. 
 
Deviations from the examination form of the syllabus can be made for a student who has decisions on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the expected study results of the syllabus. At the request of the student, the teacher responsible for the course, in consultation with the examiner, must quickly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision should then be communicated to the student.
 
In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the regular examination) according to the regulations of the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a maximum period of two years from the end of the previous syllabus or the course has ceased to be offered.