230146 KU M7 Supporting Course: Master's Thesis (2026S)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Summary
Mo 20.04. 11:30-14:45
Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Tu 21.04. 13:15-16:30
Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Mo 02.02.2026 00:01 to We 18.02.2026 23:59
- Deregistration possible until Su 15.03.2026 23:59
Registration information is available for each group.
Groups
Group 1
max. 10 participants
Language: German
LMS: Moodle
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Monday 09.03. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 23.03. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- N Monday 20.04. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 04.05. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 18.05. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 01.06. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 15.06. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Monday 29.06. 11:30 - 14:45 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 1, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Aims, contents and method of the course
Assessment and permitted materials
The course is designed as an interactive and reflective format, with a strong focus on the topics and contributions of the other participants. For this reason, electronic devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) may be used exclusively for note-taking. Online research or other forms of internet use are not permitted, as they interfere with the intended working mode of the course.The overall assessment consists of the following components:
- Active participation (20 points)
Active participation includes:
contributions to seminar discussions and short inputs,
timely submission of assigned tasks,
participation as a designated discussant during peer presentations.
-- Submission of two written reflections (40 points)
Students are required to submit two written reflections:
one focusing on theory,
one focusing on data collection and analysis.
Further details will be provided during the course. Each reflection is worth up to 20 points.
The written reflections will be assessed according to the following criteria:
factual accuracy (max. 5 points),
clarity of the stated arguments and methods (max. 5 points),
logical consistency of the argumentation (max. 5 points),
language, style, and structure (max. 5 points).
-- Presentation of the MA thesis project in class (40 points)
The presentation should not exceed 10 minutes (maximum 5 slides, depending on presentation style). It should provide a concise overview of:
the central research questions and arguments,
the chosen methodology,
the expected results, with a particular focus on explaining the research approach.
The background of the topic should be briefly introduced, the main ideas clearly summarized in the student’s own words, and one discussion question should be developed for the seminar.The presentation (40 points) will be assessed based on:
factual accuracy,
logical consistency of the argumentation and ability to respond to questions,
clarity, structure, and overall quality of the presentation.
- Active participation (20 points)
Active participation includes:
contributions to seminar discussions and short inputs,
timely submission of assigned tasks,
participation as a designated discussant during peer presentations.
-- Submission of two written reflections (40 points)
Students are required to submit two written reflections:
one focusing on theory,
one focusing on data collection and analysis.
Further details will be provided during the course. Each reflection is worth up to 20 points.
The written reflections will be assessed according to the following criteria:
factual accuracy (max. 5 points),
clarity of the stated arguments and methods (max. 5 points),
logical consistency of the argumentation (max. 5 points),
language, style, and structure (max. 5 points).
-- Presentation of the MA thesis project in class (40 points)
The presentation should not exceed 10 minutes (maximum 5 slides, depending on presentation style). It should provide a concise overview of:
the central research questions and arguments,
the chosen methodology,
the expected results, with a particular focus on explaining the research approach.
The background of the topic should be briefly introduced, the main ideas clearly summarized in the student’s own words, and one discussion question should be developed for the seminar.The presentation (40 points) will be assessed based on:
factual accuracy,
logical consistency of the argumentation and ability to respond to questions,
clarity, structure, and overall quality of the presentation.
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
The following points are relevant for grading and must be fulfilled in order to complete the course:
1) Active participation (see assessment criteria) (20 points)
2) Timely submission of two writing samples (40 points)
3) Presentation (40 points)Grading scale: Very good 90-100 points; Good 80-89 points; Satisfactory 70-79 points; Sufficient 60-69 points.
1) Active participation (see assessment criteria) (20 points)
2) Timely submission of two writing samples (40 points)
3) Presentation (40 points)Grading scale: Very good 90-100 points; Good 80-89 points; Satisfactory 70-79 points; Sufficient 60-69 points.
Examination topics
Content presented and discussed in the lecture and the further development of one's own work.
Reading list
Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2011). Generating Research Questions Through Problematization. Academy of Management Review, 36(2), 247–271. https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2009.0188
Bänsch, A., & Alewell, D. (2013). Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten (11., aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage). Oldenbourg Verlag.
Durnová, A., Hejzlarová, E., & Mouralová, M. (2024). Teaching qualitative methods in times of global pandemics and beyond. In E. St.Denny & P. Zittoun (Hrsg.), Handbook of Teaching Public Policy (S. 181–200). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800378117.00023
Fay, B. (2003). Do you have to be the known one? In B. Fay, Contemporary philosophy of social science: A multicultural approach (Reprinted, S. 9–29). Blackwell.
Flick, U., Kardoff, E., & Steineke, I. (Hrsg.). (2017). Was ist qualitative Forschung? Einleitung und Überblick. In Qualitative Sozialforschung: Eine Einführung (8. Auflage, S. 13–29). Rowohlts Taschenbuch Verlag.
Haverland, M., & Yanow, D. (2012). A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Public Administration Research Universe: Surviving Conversations on Methodologies and Methods. Public Administration Review, 72(3), 401–408. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2011.02524.x
Bänsch, A., & Alewell, D. (2013). Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten (11., aktualisierte und erweiterte Auflage). Oldenbourg Verlag.
Durnová, A., Hejzlarová, E., & Mouralová, M. (2024). Teaching qualitative methods in times of global pandemics and beyond. In E. St.Denny & P. Zittoun (Hrsg.), Handbook of Teaching Public Policy (S. 181–200). Edward Elgar Publishing. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781800378117.00023
Fay, B. (2003). Do you have to be the known one? In B. Fay, Contemporary philosophy of social science: A multicultural approach (Reprinted, S. 9–29). Blackwell.
Flick, U., Kardoff, E., & Steineke, I. (Hrsg.). (2017). Was ist qualitative Forschung? Einleitung und Überblick. In Qualitative Sozialforschung: Eine Einführung (8. Auflage, S. 13–29). Rowohlts Taschenbuch Verlag.
Haverland, M., & Yanow, D. (2012). A Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Public Administration Research Universe: Surviving Conversations on Methodologies and Methods. Public Administration Review, 72(3), 401–408. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6210.2011.02524.x
Group 2
max. 10 participants
Language: German
LMS: Moodle
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Tuesday 10.03. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 24.03. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- N Tuesday 21.04. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 05.05. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 19.05. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 02.06. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 16.06. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
- Tuesday 30.06. 13:15 - 16:30 Inst. f. Soziologie, Seminarraum 2, Rooseveltplatz 2, 1.Stock
Aims, contents and method of the course
This MA dissertation seminar is for students who are already working on their MA dissertations. Students will present their work-in-progress and further develop their research, thinking and writing in collaboration with other students on the course and with the course leader. This seminar is aimed primarily at students who are working with qualitative methods or who would like to write a dissertation on social theory. Students may write their dissertations in German or English.
Central foci:
- Structuring and planning the dissertation each step of the way (literature review, development of the theoretical framework, methodological considerations and choice of method(s).
- Presentation and discussion of work-in-progress
- Feedback as the dissertation progresses
- Support with writing and thinking blocks and any other hurdles that might arise in the process of completing the dissertation
Central foci:
- Structuring and planning the dissertation each step of the way (literature review, development of the theoretical framework, methodological considerations and choice of method(s).
- Presentation and discussion of work-in-progress
- Feedback as the dissertation progresses
- Support with writing and thinking blocks and any other hurdles that might arise in the process of completing the dissertation
Assessment and permitted materials
- Completion and presentation of one chapter of the thesis (50% of the final mark)
- Written and verbal feedback on the chapters of other seminar participants (30% of the final mark)
- Written documentation of progress made during the course of the seminar (20% of the final mark)
- Written and verbal feedback on the chapters of other seminar participants (30% of the final mark)
- Written documentation of progress made during the course of the seminar (20% of the final mark)
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
Attendance is compulsory and you must complete and pass all assessments to pass the course (marks 1-4)
Examination topics
Students will be expected to carry out their own research, undertake critical reflection and engage with the relevant literature for their dissertation.
Reading list
Becker, Howard (2000): Die Kunst des professionellen Schreibens. Ein Leitfaden für die Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften. Frankfurt am Main u.a.: Campus (2. Auflage)
Esselborn-Krumbiegel, Helga (2017): Von der Idee zum Text. Eine Anleitung zum wissenschaftlichen Schreiben. Paderborn: Schöningh (5. Auflage)
Wolfsberger, Judith (2016): Frei geschrieben. Mut, Freiheit & Strategie für wissenschaftliche Ab-schlussarbeiten. Wien u.a.: Böhlau (4. Auflage)
Seale, Clive and Rivas, Carol (2025): Researching Society and Culture. 5th edition. Sage.
Esselborn-Krumbiegel, Helga (2017): Von der Idee zum Text. Eine Anleitung zum wissenschaftlichen Schreiben. Paderborn: Schöningh (5. Auflage)
Wolfsberger, Judith (2016): Frei geschrieben. Mut, Freiheit & Strategie für wissenschaftliche Ab-schlussarbeiten. Wien u.a.: Böhlau (4. Auflage)
Seale, Clive and Rivas, Carol (2025): Researching Society and Culture. 5th edition. Sage.
Association in the course directory
Last modified: Tu 24.03.2026 14:46
The objectives of the course are as follows:- Acquiring fundamental aspects of conducting sociological work
- Practical knowledge regarding one's own research process (how to collect data, how to choose the appropriate method, how to conduct a literature review effectively, how to formulate an argument clearly, how to combine theory and empiricism effectively in one's work—all steps necessary for the successful completion of a master's thesis)
- Practical knowledge regarding the discussion of scientific work—in particular, asking questions and responding to others' topics. As part of the seminar, discussion groups with similar topics should also be formed, enabling students to support each other in their topics.
Research reflection: Identifying and discussing specific research steps, how to deal with bias in your own research, how to plan field access, how to embed researched results in the current state of knowledge in the discipline
- Compiling/writing up the results in the form of a master's thesisIf you have any organizational questions about the course, please contact the student assistant directly: Iris Kettl: iris.kettl@univie.ac.at