KFL4000 – Interdisciplinary Research Methodologies and Thesis Writing Course for Gender Studies
Course content
This course focuses on the use of multi- and interdisciplinary research methodologies and epistemologies relevant to gender and feminist studies. In addition to an overview of some of the most significant methodological perspectives in the field, the course introduces the students to academic writing strategies. Through practical writing assignments and discussions of concrete projects, research techniques and -ethics, the course aims at preparing the students for writing their master`s theses. Reflecting on the practical application of theoretical, epistemological and methodological perspectives will be emphasized. At the end of the course, the students will have completed their master`s project description. The syllabus consists of two parts: in addition to the assigned reading list, each student will, in cooperation with their assigned supervisor, select 400 pages. The self-selected syllabi should help the students in formulating their project description and must be approved by the course instructors and master supervisor.
Learning outcome
Skills
You will be able to:
- write a project description (including formulating research aims, planning the research process and develop a good research design and, if relevant, the handling of fieldwork)
- develop your academic writing skills by practicing and reflecting upon the conventions and strategies of thesis writing
- formulate research questions and research designs, and discuss applicable research tools and methods
- discuss the challenges and advantages of different methodological approaches and research designs
- discuss epistemological issues related to different methodologies
- reflect on and discuss different approaches to interdisciplinary gender research
- discuss methodological, epistemological and ethical issues relevant to their individual project description.
Competences
After completing the course you have:
- acquired the ability to conduct independent research
- acquired insight into gendered issues and processes that enables you to analyze specific and concrete questions and problems related to gender
- developed an awareness of the connection between the topic of your thesis and your choice of methodology
- developed your ability to discuss your own and your co-students’ project outlines.
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.
The course KFL4000 is mandatory for the students at the Master programme in Gender Studies
Students in other master programmes may apply to be accepted as guest students. Please note that the following special restrictions apply:
- Applicants must be admitted to a master program.
- This course will be taken as a part of their Master`s degree. A confirmation from the student’s supervisor must be attached to the application.
- There are available places in this course.
Applications must be sent the Centre for Gender studies by January 5th.
Recommended previous knowledge
KFL4040 – Feminist Theory and KFL4055 – Gender and Society
Teaching
In order to be allowed to sit for the examination, you must complete all compulsory
The course consists of 10 classes of 3 hours during the spring semester. The teaching includes class discussion, lectures, practical writing assignments and student activities. During the course each student must present drafts of individual project descriptions and give two short oral presentations. At the end of the course the students must give an oral presentation in English of their project to their fellow students.
This is how you apply for a valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance
A student who has completed compulsory instruction and coursework and has had these approved, is not entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework. A student who has been admitted to a course, but who has not completed compulsory instruction and coursework or had these approved, is entitled to repeat that instruction and coursework, depending on available capacity.
Examination
In order to take the exam, students must have completed the following requirements:
- The mandatory participation requirement (80%)
- Reflections papers and several drafts of the project description must be submitted through the semester
- Mandatory oral presentations of course texts and the project description
The exam at the end of the course will be the project description and have a length of 3600 - 4500 words (in total) reading list and front page in addition).
It is possible to submit the project description in the fall semester given the following conditions:
These conditions are:
- All mandatory activities in the spring semester have been approved
- The project description has been approved in the same term as the exam (the fall)
In this case the Centre will not provide any teaching, but the students will be offered two individual supervisions, depending on the thematic scope of the Project.
Language of examination
It is possible to submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- 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.