Course description

The course consists in the production of a Master thesis, which thematically or empirically relates to the student’s curatorial project and is defended by the student at an open seminar. In addition, each student acts as opponent for another thesis at the same seminar. The thesis is supervised at recur¬ring peer review seminars approximately once a month, but each student also has an additional, external reader who directs attention to the scientific content and structuring of the text.

The course is part of the final examination and runs on half time, parallel to the course Curatorial project.

Course objectives

The course objectives for the Master thesis are identical to those of any thesis at Master level at the Department of Art History, thus stressing the academic quality of the produced text. Having completed the course the student has demonstrated an ability to
- critically and systematically integrate knowledge and to analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations within the major field of study, and to show substantially deeper knowledge of certain parts of that field;
- on the basis of a deepened methodological awareness and a deeper insight into current research and development work, critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate issues and to plan and, using appropriate methods, carry out an advanced task within specified time limits;
- clearly present and discuss the conclusions and the knowledge and arguments behind them, orally and in writing, in national and international contexts;
- observe prevailing principles of research ethics

Education

Seminars with peer review, and individual supervision.

Forms of examination

The Master thesis is presented in an oral interrogation. In addition to presenting his/her thesis, the student shall also perform an interrogation of another student’s Master thesis.

Grades are given according to a criterion referenced seven-point scale, ranging from A (Excellent) to F (Fail).