Seminars
FDH3377 Dis-Course, 4,5 hp 4.5 credits
The course focuses on the dissertation and content, presentation and defense thereof. The aim is for the students to read and discuss five doctoral dissertations and to take part in the defense of the research. In addition, the role of a doctoral dissertation in a historical and social context will also be discussed. Each doctoral student individually follows the course with 5 dissertations (with pre- and post-meetings) that are chosen individually. Ideally, more than one student participates in a particular essay reading for better reflection and discussion. The dissertations can be in doctoral students' own field, but preferably a mixture of different dissertations is good, both within their own department and other universities / research fields. The dissertation should be read in its entirety, and discussed during two meetings with a senior researcher who has read the dissertation. Ideally, this should be a member of the rating committee or opponent. It is not recommended to discuss the dissertation with the supervisor for the respondent. Pre-meeting: discuss the benefits of the dissertation. What weaknesses / strengths with the thesis? What questions will be asked during the dissertation? Disputation: be active and make notes. Post-meeting: did the dissertation go as expected? Was it something you were surprised by? Where are your pre-formulated questions asked during the defense? Were clarifications made during the defense? Have you changed your understanding of the essay by visiting defense and by participating in this course? How was the procedure, is this a standard procedure?
Information for research students about course offerings
The course will be given continuously
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus FDH3377 (Autumn 2019–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )
Content and learning outcomes
Course disposition
Course contents
The course focuses on the thesis and contents, presentation and defence of the same. The aim is that the students should read and discuss five doctoral theses and take part of the defence of the research. Furthermore, the role of a doctoral thesis in a historical and social context will also be discussed.
Each doctoral student follows individually the course with 3 theses (with pre- and post-meetings) that are chosen individually. Preferably participates more than a pupil in a certain essay reading for better reflection and discussion. The theses can be within doctoral students own field but preferably a mixture of different theses are good, both within the own section and other university/research field.
The thesis should be read in full and be discussed under two meetings with a senior researcher that has read the thesis. Preferably, this should be a member in the examining committee or the opponent. It is not recommended to discuss the thesis with the supervisor for the author of the thesis.
Pre- meeting: discuss the advantages with the thesis. Which weaknesses/strengths with the thesis? Which questions come be set under the thesis?
Public defence of doctoral thesis: be active and make notes.
Post- meeting: made the thesis go as expected? Where it some you became surprised over? Where your completed formulated questions that are set under the defence? Where clarifications have been made under the defence? Have you changed your understanding of the essay by visiting defence and by participation in this course? How was the procedure, is this a standard procedure?
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the course, the student should be able to:
- Read a doctoral thesis critically
- Evaluate strengths and weaknesses in a doctoral thesis and argue for and against this position
- Discuss design and contents of a doctoral thesis
- Formulate questions about the issues of the doctoral thesis
- Understand the dissertation situation, roles and routines
- Reflect on the defence of a doctoral thesis
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
PhD student
Recommended prerequisites
No information inserted
Equipment
N/A
Literature
Current newly published doctoral theses or theses under publication
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
P, F
Examination
- EXA1 - Report writing, 4.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Written essay
Other requirements for final grade
Approval of written essay
Attending and actively contributing to discussion seminars
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
No information inserted
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
No information inserted
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.
Offered by
Main field of study
This course does not belong to any Main field of study.
Education cycle
Third cycle
Add-on studies
No information inserted
Contact
Jan Gulliksen (gulliksen@kth.se)