(in Polish) Contemporary Migrations - a Master's Thesis Proseminar

obligatory courses

The course is dedicated to graduate students (studenci II stopnia).

Excellent knowledge of English (enough to write and read academic texts in English)

Interest in migration studies

The seminar will prepare students for writing and defending their master's thesis.

The seminar will prepare students for writing and defending their master's thesis on topics related to contemporary migration. Students will brainstorm and select topics that fit their interests. Then, we will consider what research methods can help study the topic. This process will be accompanied by text readings and discussions that support getting to know ethics and selected research methodologies. In the process, the students will develop the skills needed to formulate research problems and pose relevant questions related to their chosen topics. In later stages, the seminar will transition into a concentrated work on writing, discussing and improving parts of the students’ theses. Students will submit parts of their work for peer review and will peer review the work of others.

The reading list will be provided during the first class and then it will be continuously updated based on the topics of interest and challenges faced by the students.

Knowledge: the graduate

K_W09 - Knows research methods most relevant to their chosen thesis topic.

Abilities: the graduate is able to

K_U01 - Is able to identify and review literature from different sources, including academic journals and books.

K_U06 - Is able to generate hypotheses and justify thesis statements that structure their argument.

K_U07 - Is able to describe the results of one’s work in writing that follows the standards of writing in academia.

Social competencies: the graduate is ready to

K_K05 - Is ready to discuss their and others’ research in a manner that shows respect and openness.

K_K06 - Is ready to consider the ethical problems related to conducting research and thesis writing.

a. Seminar attendance (students are allowed a maximum of two absences per semester).

b. Preparation for the seminars (including having read the required literature)

c. Active participation during the seminar.

d. Completion of partial assignments related to writing the master's thesis. This includes, among other things:

1. Formulating a general topic,

2. Formulating research questions and hypotheses,

3. Gathering existing literature on the topic,

4. Preparing a draft of at least one thesis chapter

5. Compiling the chapter’s bibliography, and using proper citations,

e. Preparing at least 2 reviews of other students’ chapters

Attendance, active participation, preparation for the seminars and reviewing the work of others, as well as submission of one’s full thesis, are the criteria one needs to fulfil to successfully complete the seminar.