Entry requirements

A Bachelor's degree including a main field of study within the humanities or social sciences and 30 credits of course work successfully completed within the Master's programme in Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Learning outcomes

The purpose of the course is to provide students with deepened insights into theories within Holocaust and genocide studies, as well as into thinking, scientific argumentation and advanced methods within their own discipline. The main part of the course consists in conducting a scholarly study, documented in the form of a Master's thesis.

Learning outcomes:

A student who successfully completes the course will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding within the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, including a broad knowledge in the field with substantially deeper knowledge of certain parts of the area and a deeper insight into current research and development work.
• demonstrate deeper methodological knowledge in their major field of education.
• analyse material about the Holocaust and genocide based on extensive knowledge.
• independently and critically identify and formulate relevant scholarly problems and research questions.
• use accepted theories and methods within the discipline that are relevant for the research questions.
• systematically work through source materials and anlyse empirical data.
• relate their own research to relevant previous research.
• use concepts in a stringent way.
• write a thesis that is stylistically precise and correct with regards to grammar and accuracy.
• defend the thesis and critically evaluate the work of other students.
• plan and complete an advanced research project within given time frames and recommended number of pages.
• demonstrate deepened knowledge about and critically relate to the development of the field of Holocaust and Genocide Studies.
• demonstrate an ability within the main field of study to take into account relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development activities.
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society, and human responsibility for how it is used.
• identify the need for further knowledge and to take responsibility for one's knowledge.

Content

The course is devoted to the writing of a thesis at the advanced level. Students are expected to work actively and independently with the assistance of teachers and supervisors. The essay is ventilated at a seminar in which the student is also expected to participate constructively when other students' essays are presented publicly.

The course runs for three semesters and is divided into three modules.

Module I. 7.5 credits

The students write and defend their thesis proposals

Module II. 7.5 credits

The students continue working on their theses and present their work in the form of a longer paper. To begin Module II all mandatory assignments on Module I must be completed.

Module III. 30 credits

The thesis is completed. To begin Module III all mandatory assignments on Module II must be completed.

Instruction

The course extends over three semesters and the teaching given is in form of tutoring.

Assessment

The scientific validity of the course is tested and defended at the thesis seminar, where students also perform an oral critique of another student's essay. Grades for modules I and II will be given using Pass (G), and Fail (U). Grades for the completed thesis (Module III) and thereby for the entire course will be given in accordance with the Swedish grading system using Pass with honours (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U).

Other directives

Employability

Graduates with a Master's degree in Holocaust and genocide studies have a good foundation for graduate studies in the humanities and social sciences (e.g. history, peace and conflict research, sociology, or cultural anthropology), as well as for professional work in government, education/adult education, museums, journalism, or international organisations.