International Relations Minor Thesis

Subject HIST90031 (2013)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2013.

Credit Points: 18.75
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular documented meetings with the supervisor(s) over two consecutive semesters of enrolment. Meetings should normally occur at least fortnightly and should be at least half an hour's duration.
Total Time Commitment:

An average of 10 hours each week

Prerequisites:

HIST90031 International Relations Minor Thesis is available to students enrolled in the 100 point program of the Master of International Relations. Students are required to submit a 300 word thesis proposal for approval by the course coordinator prior to the semester of enrolment in the thesis.

HIST90031 International Relations Minor Thesis is also available to students enrolled in the final 100 points in the 200 point program of the Master of International Relations. To be eligible to enrol in the thesis, students must have completed 100 points within the program, with an average of H2A (75%) and have submitted a 300 word thesis proposal for approval by the course coordinator prior to the semester of enrolment in the thesis.

Corequisites:

Students enrolled in the thesis must also complete POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar

POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

POLS90027: International Relations Minor Thesis

POLS90009: International Relations Internship

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Richard Pennell rpennell@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject involves a supervised thesis of 12 000 words, embodying the results of the student's own research, submitted at the end of the second semester of enrolment.

Objectives:

Students who complete this subject should:

  • demonstrate a specialist understanding of the subject being studied
  • show advanced skills of analysis pertinent to the subject
  • demonstrate advanced research methods skills
  • show a detailed sense of the theoretical debates in the subject area
  • demonstrate an ability to undertake critical independent research
  • demonstrate a capacity to communicate research effectively and persuasively in written form

Assessment:

A thesis of 12,000 words 100%, (due in October for students who commence in Semester 1 and June for students who commence in semester 2).

Hurdle Requirements - The following hurdle requirements must be met in order for students to be eligible to submit the final thesis:

1. Supervision: Regular supevisory meetings

2. Topic Proposal Form: To be submitted by the first week of the semester of thesis enrolment.

3. Progress Report: To be submitted half way through the thesis year.

4.Thesis Draft: A full draft of the thesis is to be submitted approximately 5 weeks prior to the final thesis submission date.

Final theses submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not be accepted or marked.

Prescribed Texts:

Appropriate texts will be determined in consultation with the thesis supervisor.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • be able to conceptualise and plan a substantial project of original research.
  • be able to present material in draft form and engage productively with a supervisor.
  • be able to consolidate and enhance established skills in engaging creatively with a critical field.
  • be able to synthesise critical arguments and debates.
  • be able to test and develop new research methods in relation to ongoing debates.
  • be able to enhance drafting and writing skills, in both a critical and creative manner.
  • be able to manage time and study resources over a sustained period of time.
Notes:

The Master of International Relations offers two thesis subjects – HIST90031 and POLS90027. It is important that students enrol in the thesis that is administered by the School in which their supervisor is housed, e.g. HIST90031 if supervisor works in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies; POLS90027 if supervisor works in the School of Social and Political Sciences.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of International Relations
200 Point Master of International Relations

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