Gender Studies: Magister Thesis, 15 Credits

Contents

The major content of this course is to write an independent student thesis in Gender Studies. The objective is to carry out a study in gender studies and formulate relevant research questions that contributes to the fields of gender study empirically, methodologically and theoretically. Apart from the actual writing of a thesis the student is also expected to defend the thesis and to act as a discussant on another student's thesis.

Expected learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student shall have the ability to:

• independently identify a relevant research topic in gender studies and formulate relevant research questions from a gender study approach
• independently and in a critically sophisticated way apply relevant gender/feminist and critical theory on an empirical or theoretical problem or area
• independently and in a critically sophisticated way apply relevant methods in the field of gender studies.
• defend his or her own thesis as well as examine, assess and discuss another student's thesis.

Required Knowledge

A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising of at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognised university. In addition to this, another 30 ECTS on advanced level in Gender Studies where 7,5 ECTS in Research Methods is included. And English proficiency equivalent to English A/6 from Swedish Upper secondary education. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The course is a full time on-line course in English. The course is taught entirely through an electronic Learning Management System where the student takes part in lectures, mandatory assignments and other learning activities. The studies are characterized by a high degree of independent and active search for knowledge, and critical reflection, both individually and in groups. The thesis is planned in joint consultation with a supervisor. The result shall be presented in written form and defended in a final seminar.

Examination modes

Examination is in total the completion of a thesis, the defense of the thesis and the acting as a discussant on another student's thesis.

The grading scale of the course is Fail, Pass and Pass with distinction. To pass involves a passed student thesis and a passed final seminar as a defender of own thesis and as a discussant on a fellow student thesis.

For the grade, passed with distinction, the student thesis must be passed with distinction and the final seminar as a defender of own thesis and as a discussant on a fellow student thesis must be passed. Students that have passed their examination have no right to undertake renewed examination for receiving a higher grade.  

Re-exam will be arranged for students that have acquired the grade Fail (U) on mandatory assignments during the course, the completion of a written theses, the defense of the thesis or the acting as a discussant on another student's thesis. Students have the right to supplement their submitted thesis on a maximum of four occasions. If not due to other circumstances, the student has the right to change examiner after failing to submit a passed thesis after two completions. Examination based on this course syllabus is guaranteed at least two years after the first time the student register on the course.
The course can be part of a master exam in Gender Studies at Umeå University.

Other regulations

Students have the right to apply to have a previous education or experience evaluated for transfer of credits. For more
information, see: www.umu.se/utbildning/antagning/tillgodoraknande/