Magister Thesis in Theology, 15 Credits

Contents

The course includes independently writing a thesis in one of the subject areas of theology: systematic theology and ethics, historical and practical theology or biblical studies/exegesis. Thesis writing includes defining a research task, searching, analyzing, and critically evaluating source material to answer the research task, and completing a dissertation that presents the starting points, process, and results in an accurate and scientific manner. In addition, based on the subject area of the thesis, it is included in assessing its scientific and societal relevance, as well as any ethical aspects that the work and publication of the thesis may entail. The course assumes a good ability to work independently. As the course serves as a research preparation, special attention will be paid to questions of principle and methodology.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding
To pass the course, the student should be able to:

• account for the applicable theory and method within the area of theology in relation to the chosen research task,
• account for the methodological problems that have arisen during the work process,
• use an academic language according to the conventions used in the main field of study,
• demonstrate knowledge of the current state of research in an independently chosen subject area.
• demonstrate in-depth methodological knowledge.

 
Skills and Abilities
To pass the course, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate the ability to independently formulate a research problem and critically analyze the relationship between the problem and the chosen method,
• critically analyze research in the subject area related to the chosen task,
• search, evaluate and critically analyze sources and relevant information with appropriate theories and methods,
• critically discuss and relate different theoretical positions to each other,
• present an analysis in the form of an essay that in terms of language use, content and form is connected to the conventions that exist in the main field of study,
• demonstrate the ability to orally and in writing present information and discuss scientific reasoning,
• independently produce academic text.

Judgement and Approach

To pass the course, the student should be able to:

• problematize the chosen problem and the result as well as the chosen method,
• argue for a particular position or conclusion,
• assess and evaluate scientific argumentation in the subject area,
• assess the scientific and societal relevance of research problems in the subject area,
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge.

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 credits in theology, including Methods and Theories in Theology: Bachelor's Course 15 credits and Bachelor's Thesis in Theology 15 credits, as well as at least 15 credits in one of the subject areas Systematic Theology and Ethics, Historical and Practical Theology or Exegesis at advanced level.

Form of instruction

Teaching takes place in the form of lectures, seminars and supervision. On the course, the seminars are compulsory educational elements. 
On course occasions where teaching takes place via the internet, the teaching takes place through the course platform and the student is expected to be available at certain times via computer connection for seminars and teaching via the course platform.
Technical requirements for participating in an internet course are; secure and good internet connection, computer (mac/pc), webcam and microphone.
The student has the right to supervision during the period that the student is first registered on the course.

Examination modes

The Magister thesis is discussed at a seminar and assessed individually with the grades Pass with distinction, Pass or Fail. To receive the grade Pass, a pass is required and an approved oral presentation of the thesis. To receive the grade Pass with distinction, a Pass with distinction and an approved oral presentation of the thesis are required.

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 For tests conducted during the months of May and June, the first re-test may be offered within three months of the regular test. In addition, at least one more re-examination must be offered within one year of the regular exam. A student who has passed an examination may not be re-examined.

The examiner can decide to adapt the form of examination, specified in the syllabus, to accommodate a student's needs. Individual adaptation of the form of examination should be considered according to a student's needs. Any change to the form of examination must be made within the framework of the curriculum's expected study results. Students who need an adapted examination must request it from the institution responsible for the course no later than 10 working days before the examination. It is the examiner who decides on the adapted examination and then notifies the student.

Other regulations

In granting a university degree, this course may not be combined with any other course that has a similar content. In case of uncertainty, the student should consult the Director of Studies at the Department of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies.
 In the event that the syllabus expires or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exams (including regular exams) according to the regulations in the syllabus on which the student was originally registered for a period of a maximum of two years from the previous syllabus expires or the course has been discontinued.