JAP4595 – Master's Thesis in Japanese Studies
Course description
Course content
The Master’s thesis represents an independent piece of research, carried out under supervision. The research question should be precisely defined, the method well founded and the argumentation systematically presented. The subject and research topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with modern and/or contemporary Japanese culture, history, international relations, politics, religion, society, literature, and language, and are chosen in cooperation with the supervisor.
The thesis should be between 35 to 50 pages (approx. 2300 characters per page) and should include Japanese sources.
Learning outcome
- The writing of the thesis provides students with training in developing research projects from original idea to fully completed research report in the form of a Master’s thesis.
- An aim of the thesis work is also to develop the students’ ability to critically and independently assess source material in accordance with relevant theories.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Admission to the programme option Japanese Studies under the Programme for Asia and Middle East Studies.
AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East
or studies abroad or EAST4610 – Voices from East Asia: How to Communicate Research Results and JAP4020 – Methodologies and Data Collection in Japanese Studies in the third semester
Overlapping courses
30 credits overlap with JAP4693 – Master's Thesis in Modern Japan
Teaching
Academic supervision of the Master’s thesis is compulsory. Up to 8 hours of individual supervision will be given. Supervisors will be assigned by the department. Supervision commences when the Supervision Agreement is signed.
Compulsory activities
- You must give a presentation about your thesis at a thesis seminar in order to hand in your thesis. Such seminars take place 1-3 times per semester and are led by a member of the academic staff.
An approved oral presentation is valid on a permanent basis.
Examination
The Master's thesis is to be handed in by 1 December in the Autumn semester and 1 June in the Spring semester.
Guidelines for submission of a Master's thesis at IKOS.
Submit assignments in Inspera
You submit your assignment in the digital examination system Inspera. Read about how to submit assignments in Inspera.
Use of sources and citation
You should familiarize yourself with the rules that apply to the use of sources and citations. If you violate the rules, you may be suspected of cheating/attempted cheating.
Language of examination
You can write your thesis in English (recommended) or a Scandinavian language.
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 the grading system.
Explanations and appeals
Withdrawal from an examination
A master’s thesis that is not passed may be resubmitted only once, and then within the agreed time and in revised form. A master’s thesis that is passed may not be resubmitted in revised form.
If you withdraw from the exam after the deadline, this will be counted as an examination attempt.
Special examination arrangements
Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.
Evaluation
The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.