Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Thesis2646/3080/2324/1/77
Study guide

Thesis

2646/3080/2324/1/77
Academic year 2023-24
Is found in:
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 1
    Choice package:
    • opleidingsonderdelen te kiezen aan 12 studiepunten (voltijds)
    • opleidingsonderdelen te kiezen aan hoogstens 12 studiepunten (deeltijds)
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • Elective courses for 12 credits (full time)
    • Elective courses for max 12 credits (parttime)
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 12 credits
Special admission is required to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Bovyn Guy
Languages: Dutch, English
Scheduled for: Semester 1 or Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 31.10.2023 () or 31.10.2023 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 342,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

The student chooses a subject that is artistically related and the most suitable supervisor from the available list, theoretically elaborates the subject into a text in a methodically responsible manner and presents it during a public defense. The thesis coordinator offers practical and methodological support, while the supervisor is responsible for substantive guidance.

Prerequisite competencies (text)

The student has a degree of bachelor in the arts. Having passed for one or more courses that teach research competencies such as research methodology is recommended. The student feels addressed to express his/her artistic ideas in text.

Learning outcomes (list)

MA4 - The student sets up and conducts independent research in function of the development of his/her artistic praxis.
The student uses his / her research material in a critical way.
The student shows creativity and originality in the interpretation of the material and the use of arguments.
The student shows creativity and originality in the choice of his / her subject.
The student positions himself/herself in a selfcritical way.
The student cen write a coherent tekst.
The student can construct a correct, logical, coherent argumentation.
The student can develop a research question/issue.
The student can formulate a relevant conclusion.
The student can structure a a text (organisation, logic, cohesion).
The student can design a text (lay-out of the text, bibliography, use of foot- or endnotes, illustrations).
The student can use formally correct language (formulation, grammar, spelling, punctuation).
The student can formulate the aim of his/her research in a clear way.
The student can frame his/her research question/issue within a theorectical context.

Course content

The student chooses him/herself a supervisor according to the conditions of the thesis regulations (see website academy).

An introduction lecture organised by the thesis coordinator informs about the progress and organisation of the thesis. After some more information sessions to refresh or teach research, writing and presentation- skills and techniques will be organised by the coordinator depending on the needs. These sessions will also serve to inquire about the state of the research and to exchange tips mutually.

Under the guidance of his/her supervisor, the student has to define the artistic research field wherein he/she will develop an achievable research question or issue. This will be investigated based on relevant literature, interviews and/or other sources, in addition has to be tested on personal interpretations and meanings. Reports to the supervisor has to be prepared at regular intervals, on the student's own initiative. The final product has to be a written account of the research track (i.e. the thesis), possibly in combination with other forms.

Study material (list)

Mandatory€ 5,00

Study material (text): Mandatory

PowerPoint presentations with text and visual material used to document the classes.

The AP-styleguide.

Each student has to compile a targeted list of sources.

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Collaborative learning
Lectures and / or tutorials8,00 hours
  • Description: Some informative group sessions are organised to refresh or learn technical skills such as define adequate questions- and problems, research skills, planning etc. Practical information on the development of the thesis is provided, a state of matters is asked for regularly and tips are exchanged.
  • Remark: Students should be present during these contact moments, If the student cannot attend, he/she/they should excuse themselves via a sick bill.
Work time outside of contact hours334,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
Eerste examenperiodeResearch Assignment100,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodResearch Assignment100,00

Evaluation (text)

The assessment of the thesis will happen, after the oral presentation, by a reading committee with at least the supervisor, the co-supervisor and at least one theory professor of the academy. The committee awards a grade by mutual consultation.

The following criteria will be taken into consideration for the assessment:

  • Form: - use of language/style: formulation, grammar, spelling, punctuation

             - structure: organisation, logic, cohesion

             - design: lay-out of the text, bibliography, use of foot- or endnotes, illustrations

  • Research question/issue (attention is paid to: the relevancy of the research question, the contextualisation of the question into a theoretical background, the aim of the research)
  • Research as such (attention is paid to: relevancy, up-to-date and completeness of the collected material)
  • Argumentation (attention is paid to: the quality of the arguments, the writing style and the conclusion)
  • Creativity and originality (attention is paid to: the degree of originality of the subject, the creativity in interpretation of the material and of the argumentation)
  • Critical ability (attention is paid to: the way in which the research material has been used and the degree to which a personal meaning has been taken.
  • Presentation and answering questions during the defense.
  • Mandatory attendance at lectures.
  • Mandatory progress reporting.