This course is open only to students enrolled in the Master PSTS.
This course connects to the final qualifications K 1-6, S1-10 of the programme, according to the following learning objectives:
At the end of the course the student is able to conduct his/her own project within a profile of PSTS, which has to result in a thesis proposal.
At the end of the course the student has knowledge of or insight in a broader framework in which he/she can localise his/her thesis.
At the end of the course the student is able to: communicate his/her research steps and results to colleagues, to reflect on the appropriateness of chosen research steps, possible alternatives, and change course, if necessary• provide appropriate feedback to colleagues, and to link his/her thesis work to application areas within or outside academia.
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The main goal of the course is to guide and coach students in their research activities, first by assisting them in writing a research proposal (particularly in the 1st semester). During the 2nd semester students will be offered an infrastructure for (peer) coaching and training in connection to their graduation projects The course starts with seminars / workshops dedicated at particular topics related to research skills and supporting the search for a topic, and continues (in semester 2) with seminars where draft proposals are presented and discussed.
Teaching methods
Seminar setting: The emphasis in the first semester is on the second quarter. In the first quarter, general themes regarding doing research will be discussed; the second quarter systematically works toward writing a thesis proposal. Attendance is obligatory!
Examination and assessment
The grade for this course is either a pass or a fail, and is based on:
1. class participation and periodic assignments
2. working on and completion of the thesis proposal (evaluated by the thesis supervisor in consultation with the course instructors)
The following dimensions will be considered:
1. Participation:
• completion of all preparatory assignments and readings
• active participation during class sessions.
2. Thesis proposal:
• development of research question (and sub-questions)
• refinement of method and/or approach
• statement of thesis' relevance and/or significance
• embedding in literature (indicated by background reading and bibliography)
Each of these 2 dimensions need to be sufficient in order to pass the course
Note:
Students who cannot attend the regular sessions in the 2nd semester (e.g. because of doing an internship abroad) have to:
- apply at the MasterLab-teachers for being exempted from being present at the 2nd semester sessions;
- do an alternative assignment
- i.e., submit twice a written progress report on their internship and/or final project research (at the end of quartile 2A, and at the end of quartile 2B
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