MES4590 – Master Thesis in Middle East Studies
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
The master thesis should be 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 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 is given as seminars throughout the semester. Academic supervision of the master’s thesis is compulsory. Up to 8 hours of individual supervision will be given.?
Compulsory activities
- Participation in 4 thesis seminars led by members of the academic staff.
- At least 2 oral presentations of sections of your thesis.
- Be a discussant at least two times for students who are presenting.
- Prepare a table of contents of your thesis.
- Academic supervision
Valid absence
If you have valid absence from the compulsory activity, you must submit an application and hand in documentation.
This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activity.
Examination
The master`s thesis is to be submitted by 1 December in the autumn semester and 1 June in the spring semester.
The thesis must be 35 to 50 pages (2300 characters per page, excluding spaces, excluding list of references).
You must fulfil the requirement of the compulsory activities in order to submit your master's thesis.
Guidelines for submission of a Master`s Thesis at IKOS.
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.