Type of course

Obligatory prerequisites

Course content

The core of this course is the master's thesis. The students are expected to write a master's thesis between 25.000 and 30.000 words of length (approximately 60 - 80 pages).

The master's thesis provides an opportunity for in-depth studies of a chosen field. The topic of the thesis is chosen based on the interests of the student and issues relevant to indigenous studies. The thesis will manifest the student's ability to reflect and write independently on indigenous related issues, drawing broadly on the courses and seminars offered in the Indigenous Studies programme.

The collection of data is included in the course and can be carried out through fieldwork or through the collection of archive materials, secondary data, or literature studies. Data collection related to the master's thesis is recommended to be done between 15 May and 1 September.

After the main data collection period, the student shall present a report on the work so far. The report is expected to outline the setting studied, to discuss the methodological challenges met and some findings. This report will be given as a presentation in class before the end of September. 

Throughout the course, the students are to participate in seminars, presenting their own texts and giving feedback to each other's texts.

Objectives of the course

Students who have successfully completed the course should have achieved the following learning outcomes:

 Knowledge:

• to develop and carry out a research project with a social scientific and/or humanistic approach;
• to analyse academic problems on the basis of the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of indigenous studies.

Skills:

• to develop relevant and realistic research questions in research in general and on indigenous topics in particular;
• to analyse the situation of indigenous peoples on the basis of the interdisciplinary approach of indigenous studies;
• to deal with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments.

General competence:

• to apply their knowledge of indigenous issues and skills in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects in similar areas;
• to communicate extensive independent work and use the terminology of indigenous studies;
• to communicate about indigenous issues and research findings both with specialists and the general public;
• to contribute to new thinking and innovation processes regarding indigenous peoples and minorities;
• to read and respond critically to academic texts in the making.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

The course contains seminars and individual tutoring. Individual supervision is given in accordance with the contract signed between the student and the supervisor.

The learning outcomes can only be achieved through active student participation, and it is expected that the students are well prepared for each teaching unit and supervision session, in order to give constructive feedback.