Master's seminar 3500-JIS-SEMMGR2-L
This course is a continuation of the seminar from the second semester of the first year of study.
In the second year of their MA studies, students prepare a diploma thesis on a topic selected and according to the plan established during the first semester of the seminar in the first year of study. The thesis is written under the selected supervisor, and its subsequent stages are presented during the seminar meetings. We also discuss broader issues related to the topics of the theses, as well as relevant methodology. Additionally, further readings related to the profile of the theses are discussed. Students also develop their skills in writing and editing their thesis.
The organization of the seminar and specific meetings is based on a regular exchange of information between the seminar's instructor, the supervisor, and the student.
During the seminar, we will:
- discuss the content of the theses – each MA student taking part in the seminar will be required to present one completed chapter of their thesis in each semester: the theoretical and/or literature review chapter in the winter semester, and the analytical chapter in the summer semester; the presentation will serve as a point of departure for class discussions;
- develop methodological skills – the focus of these classes will be on developing students' proficiency in using selected research tools, in accordance with the profile of their theses; in particular, we will focus on the adaptability of tools, advantages and disadvantages of combining tools, and the rationale behind such decisions, etc.;
- discuss research tools – each MA student taking part in the seminar will be required to present a research tool which they have developed for their study; the presentation will serve as a point of departure for class discussions;
- discuss ethical issues – the topics of these meetings will include, among others, the use of generative AI tools in the research process; regulations regarding the ethics of research involving human subjects (if there are theses utilizing such research);
- develop academic writing skills – working with the text, we will practice formulating the aims of the thesis and research questions, as well as claims, their justifications and conclusions; we will also develop skills related to proper text editing (in accordance with the APA 7 stylesheet adopted for theses at the Faculty of Sociology);
- prepare for the diploma exam — we will discuss the regulations regarding the diploma process at the “Language and Society” program, the structure of the review of the theis, and the evaluation criteria for each section of the thesis (below standard expectations — standard expectations — above standard expectations); we will discuss how the diploma exam looks like (or even roleplay it in the form of simulation).
Student workload (19 ECTS):
Classes: 60 hours
Gathering literature and research material: 30 hours
Reading and analyzing literature, writing the theoretical and/or literature review section: 150 hours
Analyzing research material, writing the empirical section: 240 hours
Correcting and editing subsequent drafts: 90 hours
Total: 570 hours
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Remote learning
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
The graduate
K_W05 Has an in-depth knowledge of relations between linguistics, linguistics-related discourse analysis and social semiotics.
K_W18 Has an in-depth knowledge of social norms and rules in public, field-specific and intercultural communication.
K_W21 Knows and understands basic notions and principles concerning copyright.
K_U11 Can properly analyze the reasons for and progress of communication and discourse processes; can formulate his/her own opinions on these processes; can formulate and verify simple research hypotheses.
K_U14 Can diagnose specific problems related to interpersonal communication and suggest possible solutions.
K_U17 Can write their own texts, controlling their influence on the recipient.
K_U19 Can use any one computer programme for data analysis, and apply its advanced options.
K_U21 Abides by rules set forth in copyright legislation related to intellectual property protection.
K_K01 Understands the need for lifelong learning and is ready to apply for PhD studies.
K_K07 Is ready to participate in the preparation of projects related to communication and social discourses.
K_K08 Is ready to individually and critically develop his/her knowledge and skills, combining sociological and linguistic perspectives.
K_K09 Is ready to search for new methods and sources to supplement his/her knowledge and improve his/her professional skills.
K_K10 Is ready to independently set the direction of his/her own development and training.
K_K11 Is ready to fulfil social obligations and to inspire activities related to the social context.
Assessment criteria
The primary credit requirement for the seminar is to writing the thesis and, after it has been approved by the supervisor, submitting it to the APD system.
One credit is given for both semesters at the end of the year.
Additional credit requirements for the seminar are:
* attendance and active participation in classes
* presentation of work progress, in the form and at the dates specified at the beginning of the semester.
Practical placement
not applicable
Bibliography
Tailored to the topics of the theses and the needs of the students writing them. The selection of literature will be systematically discussed with the supervisors and the students.