MES4590 – Master Thesis in Middle East Studies
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The master thesis should be a scientific investigation of 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 topic for the thesis may be chosen from a wide range of topics associated with Middle East society and politics, history, language or literature, and is chosen in cooperation with the supervisor. Supervision is compulsory.?Sources in Middle East languages should constitute at least 1/5 of the source material used.
This course is combined with one of the following options:
- AMS4900 – International Project Term in Asia and the Middle East or
- MES4610 – Voices from the Middle East: How to Communicate Research Results and MES4020 – Fieldwork in the Middle East or
- Semester abroad.
In addition to supervision, students must attend thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff. The seminar gives students opportunities to present and discuss drafts and sketches, as well as training in commenting on the drafts and sketches of other students.
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 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 programme option Middle East Studies under the programme for Asia and Middle East Studies.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- MES4000 – Theory, Methodology and Project Description in Middle East- and South Asia Studies
- MES4010 – Critical Literature Review in Middle East Studies
- MES4110 – Readings of Middle Eastern Texts
Teaching
The teaching consists of seminars and supervision throughout the semester. Academic supervision for the master’s thesis is mandatory, and you will receive up to 8 hours of individual supervision.
Compulsory activities
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Participation in 4 thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff.
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At least 2 oral presentations of sections of your thesis.
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Be a discussant at least two times for students who are presenting.
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Prepare a table of contents of your thesis.
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Academic supervision?of the master’s thesis.?Supervision is arranged directly between you and your supervisor.
You will find more information about the requirements for the compulsory assignments and the submission deadline in Canvas.?
The approved compulsory activities remains valid for the five following semesters in which the course is offered. However, exceptions may arise if the course undergoes changes in its assessment format, teaching, or other significant modifications.?
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:?
Common guidelines relating to compulsory activities - University of Oslo (uio.no)?
Access to teaching?
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.?
Examination
Master thesis?
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 Diploma?
The master`s thesis is to be submitted by 1 December in the autumn semester and 1 June in the spring semester.
The course will be assessed through a written master’s thesis of 35 to 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 thesis is normally written in English, alternatively in 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.
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.