- Course code: MET5030
- Credits: 10
- Semester: Spring
- Language: English
Study program affiliation:
Theology, Method, and Research Design MET5030
The diversity of methods in theology allows for a wide range of approaches in master's theses, within both the historical, systematic-theological and practical-theological disciplines. Moreover, a great deal of theological work is carried out in an interdisciplinary context. Different master's projects also activate different issues within research ethics, and different methods require different designs. This course aims to help students in the choices of theological discipline, method, and design for their master's theses.
The course is taught in English if required.
Course component A: Choice of discipline and method (1 credit)
This course component aims at helping students to make an informed choice of discipline and method for a master's thesis.
Component A consist of a start-up week (100% required attendance)
- Introductory class
- Writing a student report about "my thesis ideas" (max 500 words)
- Full-day seminar: Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, Systematic Theology, Practical Theology
- Revision of student report
- Student presentation: "This Is What I Have Chosen" (3-5 minutes) + summarizing panel
After the start-up week (component A), students who have chosen qualitative method will switch to MET5010 for the rest of the semester.
Course component B: Research design and discipline specific methods (9 credits)
Course component B aims at teaching advanced, discipline-specific methods relevant to the specific master's thesis. Students participate in the classes of component B, which are organised by the relevant department, based on the discipline chosen in course component A.
Students will be receive help in developing a project description for a master's thesis. It is all about seeing the connection between the problem, material, theory, method and research design. Students will formulate a research question, justify and refine the material to be researched and the choice of method, choose literature, and make a draft outline for a master's thesis.
About the study
Study requirements
Course Requirements for Component A:
- 100% attendance during the start-up week.
- submit and have approved a short presentation of "my thesis ideas" (max 500 words) at the beginning of the start-up week.
- submit and have approved a revised version of "my thesis ideas" (max 500 words) towards the end of the start-up week.
- give a brief oral presentation: "The Is What I Have Chosen" (3-5 minutes) at the end of the start-up week.
Course Requirements for Component B:
- participate in a course in searching databases.
- write a digital contract with a supervisor.
- participate in minimum 75% of the scheduled classes and assigned learning exercises for the discipline/subject chosen by the student.
- submit and have approved a draft of a project description (2500-3500 words). See Canvas for details about the project description.
When course requirements are not fulfilled, this will count as one examination attempt, unless the student withdraws before the set deadline (1 May/November).
Final assessment/Exam
The final assessment of MET5030 is a project description for the master thesis (2500-3500) words. The project description will be assessed as "passed" / "failed". To gain credits for the course the student must fulfill the course requirements.
In order not to use up an exam attempt, students must actively withdraw their assessment notification for the course by the withdrawal deadline of 1 May/1 November.
Learning outcome
Learning outcome Course Component A
KNOWLEDGE
The student has
- knowledge of different research methods within the relevant disciplines and of their possibilities and limitations
- knowledge of the connections between research questions, research methods, and research design
SKILLS
The student can
- formulate research questions and a research method
Learning outcome Course Component B
KNOWLEDGE
The student has
- in-depth knowledge of the methodological discourse which their master's thesis is part of
SKILLS
The student can
- reflect on the relevance of methodological and theoretical issues for work on current theological questions
- identify and critically discuss research questions, research methods and theoretical perspectives for their own master's thesis
- critically reflect on issues of research ethics related to their master's thesis
- develop a project description for the completion of a master's thesis
Overlapping courses
MET5030 overlaps with MET5010, MET5020, MET5115, MET5215, MET5310, MET5290,. This overlap entails that:
- Students who have already passed MET5010 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
- Students who have already passed MET5020 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
- Students who have already passed MET5115 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
- Students who have already passed MET5215 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
- Students who have already passed MET5310 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
- Students who have already passed MET5290 will receive 0 credits for MET5030 on their transcript or diploma.
Course Coordinator
