MA seminar - Spanish language - level 1 3200-M2-SEMH1
The master’s seminar aims to develop the research and writing skills necessary for preparing a master’s thesis in Spanish language studies. The course has a practical and individualized character. Its purpose is to guide the student through the successive stages of their own research project: defining the topic and its justification, formulating research questions and hypotheses, selecting research methods, compiling a bibliography, planning the structure of the thesis, and drafting its chapters.
As part of the seminars, issues related to research methodology in translation studies, language, literature, and culture of the Spanish-speaking world are discussed. The student analyzes examples of academic texts, works with databases and bibliographic tools, and becomes familiar with the standards of academic writing in Spanish.
A substantial part of the work is individual: the student prepares successive sections of their thesis, consults them with the instructor, and incorporates feedback. Regular discussion of progress supports the development of critical thinking, argumentative skills, and research independence. The total workload includes participation in classes and consultations, as well as independent work on the thesis plan, bibliography, and chapters.
Type of course
Master's seminars
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Term 2025Z: | Term 2024Z: | Term 2026Z: |
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE: The graduate knows and understands:
K_W01: in an advanced manner, the complex structure of language as a system
K_W02: in an advanced manner, the psycholinguistic, biological, cultural, and linguistic aspects of language use
K_W03: in an advanced manner, specialized terminology in linguistics
K_W04: in an advanced manner, specialized terminology in literary studies
K_W05: in an advanced manner, the main directions of development and contemporary research trends in linguistics, as well as the main research centers in the field
K_W06: in an advanced manner, research methods used in linguistics
K_W07: professionally, the concepts and principles of intellectual property and copyright law
K_W08: in an advanced manner, the role of language in communication between people and cultures
K_W09: in an advanced manner, the connections between linguistics and other scientific disciplines
SKILLS: The graduate is able to:
K_U01: apply the acquired knowledge to conduct research in linguistics using appropriate methodology (including advanced information and communication techniques)
K_U02: identify cultural elements characteristic of the studied linguistic area and interpret socio-historical changes occurring within it
K_U03: search for, analyze, evaluate, and select information in the native language and foreign languages
K_U04: use advanced linguistic research tools and select research methods appropriate to the problems addressed
K_U06: express one’s own views and opinions orally and in writing in both foreign languages and the native language, and present the views and arguments of others in both foreign languages and the native language
K_U09: independently acquire knowledge in linguistics and evaluate the usefulness of methods, practices, and procedures for one’s professional work
K_U12: independently acquire knowledge in literary studies and evaluate the usefulness of methods, practices, and procedures for one’s professional work
SOCIAL COMPETENCES: The graduate is ready to:
K_K01: recognize the importance of the latest disciplinary knowledge and critically evaluate received content
K_K02: appropriately identify and resolve problems in interlingual and intercultural communication
K_K05: recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems and consult expert opinions
Assessment criteria
Course completion is based on:
1. Systematic work on the research project, including:
preparing a thesis outline, bibliography, and/or plan;
drafting successive sections (chapters or subsections);
participating in consultations and incorporating feedback.
2. Active participation in seminars, including discussing progress and contributing to discussions.
3. Timely completion of the agreed stages of the work.
Evaluation criteria:
The final grade reflects:
- the level of progress in the master’s thesis;
- the substantive quality of the submitted sections;
- the ability to apply methodological principles and academic standards;
- engagement and preparation for classes.
Students have the right to two unjustified absences.
The course is completed with a pass (zaliczenie).
A condition for passing is demonstrating clear progress in the development of the master’s thesis.
Bibliography
The literature is selected individually, depending on the topic of the thesis and the needs of the student.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: