REDI4302 – Master Thesis in Religion and Diversity: Conflict and Coexistence
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The Master thesis plays a central role in the study program Religion and Diversity. It shows that the student can work independently with a specific theme according to scientific theories, methods and standards. Selection of topic and methodological approaches are done in consultation with the program leader.
The objective of the program is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of diversity, interaction and coexistence related to religion, in historical and contemporary perspectives. The selected topic must relate to the overall framework of the program.
The topic of the thesis must be chosen so that the planned work is not covered by previous assignments, although in many cases it will be possible to address a previously treated topic under new perspectives.
Admission to the course
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If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Admission to the master programme Religion and Diversity: Conflict and Coexistence (master's two years) (being phased out) is required.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
- RESA4102 – Theory and Method in the Study of Religion, Society and Diversity (discontinued) or TFF4005 – Theory and Method in the Study of Theology and Religion
Teaching
It will be given up to 16 hours of supervision from a teacher with relevant competence. Supervision is mandatory, and the supervising must be approved as sufficient by the supervisor before submitting. Presentation seminars are also mandatory, with different assignments in each term.
The project outline is normally prepared in the second semester of the program (REDI4302 Term 1) through a four-stage process:
- At the beginning of the semester a seminar will be held in which the students will present themes and ideas for the assignment and how they plan the work. A brief draft (1-2 pages) is provided in advance of the seminar. Participation in the seminar is mandatory.
- Based on feedback in the seminar and further reading, the student prepares a first project paper (3 to 5 pages) that will contain a presentation of the topic of the assignment, a brief summary of previous research on the subject, and some thoughts on which methodological measures and theoretical perspectives (related to insights from TFF4005 – Theory and Method in the Study of Theology and Religion). The sketch is presented in a start-up seminar in February, where students give feedback on each other`s projects. Participation in the start-up seminar is mandatory.
- After the start-up seminar, the project draft is developed further, and a new version (5 - 10 pages) will be delivered midway through the semester. This is based on the student being assigned a supervisor.
- Based on the first meeting with the supervisor, the project proposal is further processed and a final version (8-10 pages) is submitted towards the end of the semester. This must be approved by the program manager.
In addition to supervision, in the further work with the master`s thesis, the student will participate in at least two presentation seminars (REDI4302 Term 2 and 3). In these seminars, parts of the thesis will be presented for an overall discussion. In addition, the student will be the main respondent to another`s presentation.
Students who present their work for the first time are expected to provide an updated version of the project description, with a preliminary presentation of the master`s thesis. The paper should give a clear expression of the methodological approach chosen, and which theoretical perspective most important for the thesis, possibly in the shape of a draft to the introductory chapter for the master thesis. It is also possible to make other chapter drafts (together with an outline that shows what role this chapter will have in the overall structure). Total extent should be approx. 10 pages.
For students who present for the second time, in addition to an outline for the master thesis, a chapter draft is expected. Maximum number of pages is 20.
Examination
Master`s thesis assignment
The Master`s thesis assignment is 28000-40000 words.
The font used must be Times New Roman 12 point or equivalent, one-half line spacing and margins should be 2.5 cm. The title sheet on the assignment must indicate the student`s name, title of the assignment, title and name of supervisor and the text "Master`s thesis in Religion and Diversity: Conflict and Coexistence, University of Oslo, The Faculty of Theology", as well as the semester and year.
All students must submit the Master`s thesis to DUO Science Archive.
Submission of Master`s thesis in DUO
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.
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.