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Course content

The aim of this course is to help you to choose a topic for your MA thesis, reflect on the theories and methods that you will need, and to write and present a project plan that will guide your work towards your final thesis.Ìý

The course begins with a series ofÌýseminars, revolving around discussions and exercises that help you acquire relevant academic skills. These include seminars on the scope and identity of Japanese studies, on thesis writing, on research ethics and data management, on Japanese databases, and on academic reference tools. After this, an intensive seminar (called Academic Survival Kit) will help you make your final decision on the direction that your MA research will take. For the final part of the course, students will be divided into smaller groups based on their research interests and read texts relevant to their chosen topic together. The course concludes with a round of presentations, where you explain your project plan to your fellow students and the teaching staff and receive feedback, as well as give feedback to others.Ìý

Learning outcome

• You will improve your academic writing skills and learn how to write an academic research plan.Ìý

• Through class presentations and discussions, you will learn to present and debate academic knowledge.Ìý

• By developing your own project, you will learn to apply general insights to a topic that has your particular interest and reflect on the theoretical and methodological issues involved.Ìý

• You will acquire relevant digital skills such as using Japanese databases and referencing tools.Ìý

• You will learn about research ethics and personal data management.Ìý

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for .Ìý

If you are not already enrolled as a student ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡, please see our information about .Ìý

Only students enrolled in the programme option Japanese Studies can be admitted to this course.Ìý

Overlapping courses

• 10 credits overlap with JAP4010 – Theory and Method in Japanese Studies.

Teaching

The course is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars. It consists of 6 general seminars of 2 hours each, followed by a two-day workshop and three group supervision meetings. The course presupposes active participation in class.Ìý

Compulsory activitiesÌý

• Attend at least 7 out of 9 seminars/group meetingsÌý

• Pass the library assignmentÌý

• Submit a short draft proposal prior to the Academic Survival Kit Ìý

• Participate in the Academic Survival KitÌý

• Compulsory E-learning course in the protection of personal data (GDPR). The course will be delivered via CanvasÌý

Approved compulsory activities are only valid for one semester. Participation of the Academic Survival Kit is valid on a permanent basis.Ìý

You will find more information about the requirements for the compulsory assignment(s) and the submission deadline in Canvas.Ìý

All compulsory activities must be approved to qualify for the exam. It is your responsibility to verify that you have obtained approval for all compulsory activities.Ìý

Absence from compulsory activities:Ìý

• Ìý

It is important that you familiarize yourself with the rules regarding absence from compulsory activities, to prevent being excluded from teaching and losing your eligibility to take the exam.Ìý

More information on compulsory activities at the University of ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡:Ìý

• Common guidelines relating to compulsory activities - University of ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ (uio.no)Ìý

Examination

The exam consists of two parts:Ìý

1. An oral presentation of your MA research projectÌý

1. A project proposal for your MA thesis (approximately 5 pages)Ìý

You need to pass both parts to pass the course. You receive a grade for each part. The oral presentation counts for one third, the project proposal counts for two thirds of the total.Ìý

The project proposal is to be submitted in Inspera within the given deadline.Ìý

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.Ìý

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about .Ìý

More about examinations ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡.