On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

- demonstrate knowledge of current social science sustainability research and development work within the chosen field of research for a master’s thesis

- present sustainability issues of relevance for a master’s thesis
- present theories and methods that can be applied in a master’s thesis
- develop and formulate research questions that can be applied in a master’s thesis
- present a research plan for a master’s thesis

- discuss relevant ethical considerations in the planning of a master’s thesis
- critically reflect upon the roles and responsibilities of research and the researcher within the chosen field of research
- assess the need for further knowledge within the chosen field of research for the master’s thesis

• Research planning
• Overview of current research and development work
• Theories, methods and research questions
• Research ethics
• Reflexivity

The course consists of independent research planning by the student. Preparation, writing a research plan, and presentation is included in the five course weeks.

A learning management system is used.

Students who have been admitted to and registered for a course have the right to receive instruction/supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course instance to which they were accepted. After that, the right to receive instruction/supervision expires.

The teaching is conducted in English.

At least 10 credits from the master’s program in Global Studies: Sustainable Societies and Social Change, or equivalent. English proficiency is required.

The course is graded A, B, C, D, E, FX or F.

The grades A, B, C, D and E are all passing grades.

The examination is based on the intended learning outcomes.

The course is examined through an individual written assignment in the form of a research plan.

The examination must allow for students to be assessed on an individual basis. Further information concerning assessment of specific intended learning outcomes and grading criteria is provided at the beginning of the course.

To receive the final grade of the course, all elements of the course must have been passed. The grade given to the individual written assignment determines the final grade of the course.

Students are guaranteed a minimum of three attempts to pass an examination, including the regular attempt.

If a student has failed the same examination three times, the student can request that the next attempt be graded by a new examiner. The decision to accept or reject such a request is made by the associate dean of education. A student may not make a second attempt at any examination already passed in order to receive a higher grade.

In case a course is terminated or significantly altered, examination according to the earlier syllabus shall be offered on at least two occasions in the course of one year after the termination/alteration.

Name of the Test	Value	Grading
Individual written assignment	7.5 credits	A/B/C/D/E/FX/F

The instruction is followed up throughout the course. A course evaluation is conducted at the end of the course. A summary and comments are published in the learning management system. The evaluation constitutes a basis for future improvements to the course.

Relevant literature is chosen based on the thesis topic in consultation with the course coordinator. The student has the main responsibility in this process.

Citing Sources – How to Create Literature References
http://ju.se/library/search--write/citing-sources---how-to-create-literature-references.html

The Interactive Anti-Plagiarism Guide – Jönköping University
Information about plagiarism at higher education institutions
Available in the learning management system