Description
Students choose (one of) the thesis seminar(s) offered within their specialisation. It is strongly recommended that students start thinking about the topic of their thesis before the start of the classes. Attendance is compulsory for all classes. Detailed information about the study material and the writing process can be found on Brightspace.
Course Objectives
Objective 1. To deepen the understanding of theories and methods related to research on the theme of the Master Specialisation.
Objective 2. Applying them to a specific topic as part of the student’s Master thesis project.
General Introduction Meeting
See 'Information and Deadlines' for the time and date of the introduction meeting.
Thesis Seminar Themes:
Theme 101: Ethnic Diversity and Political Institutions ( Dr. S. Kwak)
The thesis seminar aims to help students write theses on a topic related to ethnic diversity and political institutions broadly defined. Ethnic diversity and representative democracy often come at clash with each other and the representation of the interests of (minority) groups is a common challenge for contemporary democracies. The seminar welcomes projects aimed at the explanation of particular political outcomes in that area using a variety of methods. Topics might include the representation of ethnic groups, ethnic voting and ethnic parties, electoral system design and diversity, governmental set-up and representation of minorities, and multi-level governance and ethnicity. The focus of the seminar is broadly defined to allow students who are interested in diversity and institutions to benefit from working together on their projects. It will not provide substantive instruction, but will build upon the one provided in the NECD core seminar. The thesis seminar will focus on methodological instruction to support the completion of coherent thesis proposals and MSc theses.
Theme 102: Development and Democracy in the Global South (Dr. G. Maschhaupt)
This thesis seminar examines the complex and often contentious relationship between socio-economic development and democratic governance in the Global South, providing students with a critical framework for thesis research on the political, institutional, and socio-economic challenges and dilemmas facing Global South democracies. Taking an interdisciplinary approach that bridges comparative politics, development studies, and political economy, the seminar investigates the trajectories of democratic consolidation or backsliding, the conditions under which democratization succeeds or falters, and how democratization drives or hinders broader socio-economic developments. Central themes include the political economy of development models, power and rent-seeking in the context of commodity-dependent economies, the role of institutions in sustaining or undermining democracy, the dynamics of authoritarian resilience and regime transitions, and civil society mobilization and contentious politics. Key questions include: What explains democratization in some cases and the persistence of hybrid regimes and electoral authoritarianism in others? What tensions or trade-offs exist between increased political inclusion and socio-economic development? How do legacies of colonialism and imperialism shape contemporary economic and governance structures? How do existing economic structures affect the distribution of political power and the democratic process? What is the role of international actors, aid, and global economic integration in shaping political outcomes? Emphasizing both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches, theoretical sophistication, and comparative analysis across diverse regional contexts—including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia—the seminar supports students in developing rigorous, empirically grounded, and policy-relevant research proposals. Students are encouraged to define their own thematic, regional, or methodological focus within these broad parameters, ultimately leading to an MSc thesis that contributes to scholarly debates on the future of democracy and development in the twenty-first century.
Additional Information
Please note that for some seminars there will be no additional substantive readings than the ones discussed in the courses they build on.
Registration
See 'Information and Deadlines'
Examination
Research Proposal
The research proposal includes a problem statement, theoretical foundation, conceptualization as well as a sound explanation of the methods and techniques for data collection and analysis.The proposal must be approved by the supervisor and a second reader. The second reader will be designated by the Director of Studies. Please note that teachers are not obliged to provide thesis supervision if the proposal is not approved.
Master Thesis
The MSc thesis needs to comply with high standards of academic research. The thesis must be between 8.000 and 10.000 words, including tables, footnotes and bibliography. The thesis evaluation form with the evaluation criteria will be published on Brightspace.
Students that drop or fail the course have to retake the complete thesis seminar (in the 2nd semester of the next academic year). Students should contact the Exam Committee if they are unable to complete the master thesis by the deadline due to circumstances beyond their control.
Timetable
See 'MyTimetable'