Thesis instructions and design
ThesisDesign
The title page must be designed in accordance with the University of Gothenburg central
template,
(after the title page) must contain a 175–200 word summary, or abstract. The abstract must be
written in the language in which the thesis is written and shall summarise the most important
information in and about the thesis.
Master’s theses corresponding to 15 higher education credits should be
about 12 000 words in length (+ 10%),
Font: Times New Roman, 12 points
Line spacing: 1.5
Block quotes: 11 points, left indent 0.5
Adjusted left
Bibliography and references: Primarily according to the Harvard system. The supervisor may
also prescribe another system. What is important is that you are consistent and follow the
instructions, which may vary depending on disciplinary tradition and whether the work is
written in the field of linguistics or literary studies.
On successful completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
• show knowledge and understanding within the chosen main field of study including both a broad expertise and considerably advanced knowledge in certain parts of the field;
• show essential knowledge of central linguistic issues, concepts and theories in current research with a special focus on intercultural communication;
• integrate knowledge critically and systematically, and handle, analyse and assess complex material and questions regarding language and intercultural communication;
• show advanced knowledge and an understanding of the linguistic basis, theories and methods in the main field of study, and of linguistic research and development in this field;
Competence and skills
• distinguish and formulate on his/her own the aim of the work and write an academic thesis in a critical, independent and analytical way;
• show familiarity with academic language and scholarly precision;
• search systematically, collect, handle and evaluate material and information and specify a problem so that the work can be carried out within the given time frame;
• independently choose appropriate working methods, carry out a scholarly analysis in accordance with subject-specific requirements and show very good argumentation skills and stringency;
• discuss, evaluate and present this work critically both orally and in writing, in dialogue with different groups;
Judgement and approach
• account for, analyse and review critically his/her own and others’ arguments and previous scholarly methods and research that form the basis of the thesis;
• make complex assessments with regard to relevant scholarly, social and ethical aspects;
• give an account of how the results of the study contribute to knowledge development and show an advanced understanding of the role of knowledge in society;
• problematise the limitations and possibilities of linguistics and languages for intercultural communication as well as their role in society and the responsibility of people for how they are used;
• identify his/her need of additional knowledge and take responsibility to develop his/her skills.
Course content
In the course, students independently carry out and defend a linguistic research assignment in the chosen main field of study in the form of a written research project that treats a subject in the field of language and intercultural communication. The work should be based on problem formulations that have been discussed with the supervisor and relevant theories and methods should be applied