VMS4200 – Philology in an interdisciplinary perspective

Course content

This course treats philology in an inter-disciplinary perspective. The students will be introduced to aspects of medieval studies where insights into related historical disciplines might be both fruitful and difficult. The theoretical and methodological similarities and differences will be discussed based on case studies. The course deals with important questions in connection with writing a master's thesis with a inter-disciplinary approach. It will also treat practical aspects of writing a master thesis, such as how to write academically, how to arrive at a realistic problem based on a selection of sources and academic literature. Students will write a semester assignment that is intended to form a project description for their own master thesis and will present drafts of the assignment for discussion in seminars.

Learning outcome

The course is intended to give insight into scientific theories and methods related to inter-disiplinary research with a focus on philology. A first aim will be to provide insights into the inter-disciplinary field of medieval studies and place philology within this field. A second aim is to find a feasible project theme for the master's thesis. By the end of the semester, students should have completed a project description and progress plan, identified problems, taken part in discussions on theory and method, and acquired an overview of the history of research and an adequate knowledge of relevant source categories and reference literature related to the topic of their master thesis.

Admission

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.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

A place on a Masters degree programme.

Recommended previous knowledge

The course builds on the level of knowledge gained by a bachelor degree in Medieval West European Studies, or another Bachelor's degree with a major in a subject closely related to the Viking period or the Scandinavian Middle Ages.

Teaching

The teaching is given in 10 double lectures and seminars. Teaching takes place throughout the semester. The students are expected to participate in the seminars, to present their own work with the semester assignment and discuss each others work.

In order to qualify for the exam, the student must hand in one qualifying assignment within a given deadline.

An approved assignment and the reading list is valid for the present and two following semesters the course is given.

Examination

Students are to hand in a semester assignment of ca. 10 standard pages á 2300 keystrokes, excluding spaces (the bibliography is not counted among the 10 pages).

Submit assignments in Inspera

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