Back to selection
63941-01 - Colloquium: Researching and Writing MA Theses in Near and Middle Eastern Studies (3 CP)
| Semester | spring semester 2025 |
| Course frequency | Every spring sem. |
| Lecturers | Falestin Naïli (falestin.naili@unibas.ch, Assessor) |
| Content | This course is primarily addressed to MA students in Middle Eastern studies, but can also be extended to MA students in other disciplines writing on primary sources. During this class, students learn to define a topic and research questions, deal with various methods of collecting data, write a bibliography, choose a title, anticipate and plan deadlines, and identify various forms of subjectivities in research. Special emphasis is placed on the process of analysis of primary sources and their relation to secondary literature. |
| Learning objectives | ‒ Identify the different stages of research for a MA thesis: from finding a (good) topic to elaborating a (good) title ‒ Identify and make an adequate use of the various parts/chapters of an MA thesis (from table of content to the appendices) ‒ Identify and make appropriate use of primary, secondary and tertiary sources ‒ Identify different research processes (inductive and deductive), and evaluate benefits and drawbacks of both approaches ‒ Identify strategies for “interrogating” a document (text, image, etc.) ‒ Mastering the citation and reference management best suited to the topic ‒ Identify and use appropriate research tools and resources in the field of Middle Eastern studies (databases, portals, journals, etc.) ‒ Mastering time management (between procrastination and binge-writing) ‒ Present and defend the topic/thesis in front of an audience (other students) |
| Bibliography | Booth, Wayne C. et al., The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition, Chicago, London, UCP, 2016. Additional readings to be announced later. |
| Comments | Fridays, 13:00 - 15:45 Sessions will be held on the following dates: 21. February 7. March 21. March 28. March 11. April 9. May 16. May |
| Admission requirements | This class is based on interactive learning teaching methods. Students are expected to attend classes regularly, have done the weekly readings/assignments (texts available on ADAM), and be prepared to actively participate in seminar discussions. Besides, students are expected to present their own research project (or ideas about a possible future research) for their MA thesis, at one point during the semester. Absence policy: missing a maximum of 2 classes (1 session) is allowed. |
| Course application | MA students |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Use of digital media | No specific media used |
| Interval | Weekday | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-täglich | Friday | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
Dates
| Date | Time | Room |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 21.02.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 07.03.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 21.03.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 28.03.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 11.04.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 09.05.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Friday 16.05.2025 | 13.15-16.00 | Maiengasse, Seminarraum E005 |
| Modules |
Doktorat Near & Middle Eastern Studies: Empfehlungen (PhD subject: Near & Middle Eastern Studies) Modul: Forschung in den Near & Middle Eastern Studies (Master's degree subject: Near & Middle Eastern Studies) |
| Assessment format | continuous assessment |
| Assessment details | pass/ fail |
| Assessment registration/deregistration | Reg.: course registration; dereg.: not required |
| Repeat examination | no repeat examination |
| Scale | Pass / Fail |
| Repeated registration | as often as necessary |
| Responsible faculty | Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, studadmin-philhist@unibas.ch |
| Offered by | Fachbereich Nahost-Studien |