Description
Students choose (one of) the thesis seminar(s) offered within their specialisation. It is strongly recommended that students start thinking about the topic of their thesis before the start of the classes. Attendance is compulsory for all classes. Detailed information about the study material and the writing process can be found on Brightspace.
Course Objectives
Objective 1: To deepen the understanding of theories and methods related to research on the theme of the Master Specialisation.
Objective 2: Applying them to a specific topic as part of the student’s Master thesis project.
General Introduction Meeting
See 'Information and Deadlines' for the time and date of the introduction meeting.
Thesis Seminar Themes:
Theme 101: National and International Determinants of Foreign Policy (Dr. N. Blarel)
Theme 102: International Politics of the Global South (Dr. E. Nartok - v.d. Kist)
This thesis seminar sets out to understand dynamics, challenges, and opportunities faced by countries in the Global South. It examines key themes such as development, conflict, geopolitical shifts, and the role of emerging economies. Students will analyze the historical and contemporary relationships in the Global South, addressing issues like inequality, colonial legacies, race, racism, gender, peace and security, diplomacy, post-conflict transitional justice, sustainable development, climate change and the protection of the environment, humanitarian aid, global health, infrastructural investments, and South-South and North-South cooperation. Through a combination of disciplinary and interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks, this seminar aims to equip students with deep insights and analytical skills essential to write a master’s thesis on the issues related to the Global South while understanding and engaging with the complexities of global affairs in the 21st century. This seminar is open to qualitative research methods.
Theme 103: Data Science for Politics (Dr. B. Rezaeedaryakenari)
Theme 104: International Security (Dr. A. Post)
Theme 105: TBA (Dr. D. Ellison)
Registration
See 'Information and Deadlines'
Examination
Research Proposal
The research proposal includes a problem statement, theoretical foundation, conceptualization as well as a sound explanation of the methods and techniques for data collection and analysis.The proposal must be approved by the supervisor and a second reader. The second reader will be designated by the Director of Studies. Please note that teachers are not obliged to provide thesis supervision if the proposal is not approved.
Master Thesis
The MSc thesis needs to comply with high standards of academic research. The thesis must be between 8.000 and 10.000 words, including tables, footnotes and bibliography. The thesis evaluation form with the evaluation criteria will be published on Brightspace.
Students that drop or fail the course have to retake the complete thesis seminar (in the 2nd semester of the next academic year). Students should contact the Exam Committee if they are unable to complete the master thesis by the deadline due to circumstances beyond their control.
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'