KIN4595 – Master's thesis in Chinese Culture and Society
Course content
The Master’s thesis is a scientific investigation of a theoretical or empirical kind. It 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 focus of the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with Chinese culture, society, language or politics, historically or in contemporary times. The topic is chosen in cooperation with the assigned supervisor, and it has to be approved by the supervisor. Supervision is compulsory, and a responsibility for both student and teacher.
The thesis should be between 35 to 50 pages long.?One standard page is approximately 2300 characters without spaces, including references. The front page, bibliography and appendixes are not included in the page count.?
The thesis must be partly based on sources (primary or secondary) in Chinese language, and the supervisor has to approve the selection and number of Chinese sources used.
Learning outcome
You learn:
- to develop a new research project from the original idea to a fully completed research report in the form of a Master’s thesis.
- to critically and independently collect and assess large amounts of source material.
- to analyze and present in an accessible form your own collected data in relation to existing relevant research and theories.
- to work with deadlines and requirements regarding style, form and content of written academic work.
Admission to the course
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.
Admission to the MA programme option?Chinese Culture and Society
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Teaching
Academic supervision for the master’s thesis is mandatory, and you will receive up to 8 hours of individual supervision.?
Compulsory activity:?
Compulsory attendance: You must attend 4 out of 8 scheduled supervision appointments.??
Supervision is arranged directly between you and your supervisor.??
Supervisors will be assigned by the department, and it is the responsibility of both student and supervisor to ensure that supervision takes place. Before you submit your thesis, your supervisor must formally confirm that a minimum of supervision has taken place, and that s/he has read and commented on earlier drafts of chapters or the whole thesis.
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.?
Absence from compulsory activities:?
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.?
More information on compulsory activities at the University of Oslo:?
Examination
- Submission of master thesis in Inspera: see guides for digital exams?
- Submission of master thesis in DUO?
- Fill in and submit the form Submission of thesis/Issuance of Diplom
The course will be assessed through a written master’s thesis of 35-50 pages. One standard page is approximately 2300 characters without spaces, including references. The front page, bibliography and appendixes are not included in the page count.?
You will find guidelines for submission in DUO and submitting the online form on this page:?
The examination committee consists of an external and an internal examiner (who has not been the student's supervisor).?
You are personally responsible for familiarizing yourself with the requirements and deadlines for the exam.?
All compulsory activities must be completed and approved in order to take the exam.?
You can find more information about the exam on the semester page of the course.?
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
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.
More about examinations at UiO
- 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 at UiO.