Enrolment options

ELO-E1030 - Master's Thesis Seminar 1, Desing (EN), Lecture, 30.9.2024-28.3.2025

Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students are able to:

  • Discuss their ideas/topics for their MA thesis.
  • Indicate potential research methodologies suitable for their research.
  • Identify theoretical frameworks relevant to their thesis topic.
  • Employ diverse research databases and resources.
  • Construct a basic literary/project review for their topic.
  • Sketch their research questions.

Credits: 2

Schedule: 30.09.2024 - 28.03.2025

Teacher in charge (valid for whole curriculum period):

Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Susanna Suurla

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation):

Responsible teacher: Susanna Suurla, susanna.suurla@aalto.fi

CEFR level (valid for whole curriculum period):

Language of instruction and studies (applies in this implementation):

Teaching language: English. Languages of study attainment: Finnish, Swedish, English

CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD

Content

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The purpose of the Master’s Thesis Seminar 1 is to assist students brainstorm, develop, research and formulate the topic of their MA written thesis. The course will help students to design and plan their research, as well as familiarizing them with research methodologies and resources.

  • applies in this implementation

    Course consists of:

    • lectures on research skills, related theory and thesis writing
    • student presentations & discussions
    • independent assignments in between class meetings
    • independent writing assignment focusing on writing a thesis plan

Assessment Methods and Criteria

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    The course will consist of lectures by faculty and potential visitors, discussions, feedback, peer-review sessions and independent study time.

    Attendance, active participation in class and the completion of the course assignments are required in order to gain credits for the MA seminar. There will be an option to make extra assignments to compensate the missed sessions. This has to be approved by the teacher responsible for the course.

Workload

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Contact teaching 22h, independent study 32h.

    Attending the first day of the course is required.

    At least 80% participation in contact teaching is mandatory to complete the course. If, due to absences, the student does not achieve the learning outcomes defined in the course description, the remaining 20% may have to be compensated as determined by the responsible teachers of the course. All absences must be reported to the teachers in charge. The responsible teachers of the course will specify the necessary compensating assignments.

DETAILS

Study Material

  • valid for whole curriculum period:

    Biggs, M. A. R. and Karlsson, H. eds.,2011. The Routledge companion to research in the arts. London: Routledge.

    Murray, R., 2011. How to Write a Thesis, 3 rd Edition. Berkshire: Open University Press / McGraw-Hill.

    Nelson, R. (ed.)2013. Practice as Research in the Arts: Principles, Protocols, Pedagogies, Resistances. UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Substitutes for Courses
Prerequisites
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals

    4 Quality Education

    5 Gender Equality

    10 Reduced Inequality

FURTHER INFORMATION

Further Information
Details on the schedule

  • applies in this implementation

    Autumn 2025

    Mon 30.9.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Introduction to the MA Seminar in English

    Mon 14.10.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Finding a topic + guidelines for MA thesis

    Mon 4.11.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Introduction to artistic research

     

    Mon

    25.11.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Steps for writing a thesis plan

     

    Spring 2025

     

    Mon

    27.1.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Styles of academic writing + thesis structure

     

    Mon

    17.2.

    15:15-17:00

    Väre,

    O-112

    Writing practices & Q&A on pre-assignments

     

     

    INTENSIVE WEEK 2025

    Mon 24.3- Fri 28.3 (week 13) 9:15-17:00, detailed schedule published in February


Rules of Conduct - Students´ Rights and Responsibilities (in force from 1 August 2020)

Aalto University Code of Academic Integrity and Handling Violations Thereof

Guests cannot access this workspace. Please log in.