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 5 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?