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Master of Arts by research and courseworkCourse code: 2846 ~ Course abbreviation: MA(Res&Cw) ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts Study mode and course locationOn-campus (Clayton, Caulfield)* Course descriptionThis course provides students who already have previous studies in an arts discipline with the opportunity to expand, update and deepen their knowledge and understanding through a combination of research and coursework activities in a range of disciplines. For more detail see the individual discipline entries in the Course structure section below. Minimum pass gradeThe minimum pass grade for masters coursework units and for the thesis is 60 C (credit). Course structureCourse requirementsAnthropology and SociologyOffered by the School of Political and Social InquiryThis course provides students who already have an honours degree in anthropology, sociology or other related disciplines with the opportunity to expand, update and deepen their knowledge and understanding. Students may choose such a program for various reasons, including the desire to pursue their own intellectual interests, gain more specialised and detailed understanding of a particular area, acquire technical and applied skills and knowledge, or prepare themselves for a PhD and a career in research and teaching. The course comprises two 12-point units selected from those listed below and a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words (66 per cent). Alternative units may be taken with the approval of the course coordinator.
Course coordinatorDr Jo Lindsay (Sociology) and Dr Matt Tomlinson (Anthropology) Archaeology and Ancient HistoryOffered by the School of Historical StudiesThe Centre for Archaeology and Ancient History offers the only program in Victoria and one of only two in Australia that provides supervision of research degrees in Egyptology, and one of the few offering supervision in related areas of Near Eastern Archaeology. This course is designed for students wishing to combine coursework with research and for whom a research process of induction, training in methodology and concepts, and supervised project design will be particularly useful. The course comprises two 12-point units and a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. The two units must be completed in the first year (if full-time) or the first two years (if part-time). All students will complete AAM5740 (Reading the ancient past) and AAM5060 (Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt), unless they have previously completed AAM4740 (Reading the ancient past) and AAM4060 (Predynastic and early dynastic Egypt) as part of another program, in which case they will complete AAM5010 (Research topics in archaeology: the New Kingdom) and AAM5020 (Research topics in archaeology: Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt). Course coordinatorDr Colin A. Hope Asian StudiesOffered by the School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsThis program will enable students to focus their studies around a research thesis on Asia. The coursework component is designed to encourage interdisciplinary perspectives to broaden and deepen the understanding of Asia and Australia-Asia relations, thereby providing a fuller appreciation of the context in which the research project will be conceptualised. Candidates are required to complete the following two units for a total of 24 points of course work plus a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words: The thesis topic must be determined in consultation with the supervisor, who is to be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. Course coordinatorProfessor Ross Mouer Australian ArtOffered by the School of English, Communication and Performance StudiesThis course is intended for students with a strong interest in research who wish to give their study a clear Australian focus. The degree familiarises students with the major theoretical areas in Australian art and with a significant area of Australian art history through their research. The research emphasis can cover areas of painting, sculpture, architecture, urbanism and urban imagery, photography, performance and art in multimedia, film or television. Candidates complete a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words (66 per cent research) in an area agreed to by the candidate and the department, and supervised by staff appointed by agreement with both the candidate and the department. Candidates are expected to consult with their supervisor regularly and to maintain the momentum of their thesis research. Candidates also complete two fifth-year elective units worth 12 points, chosen from the schedule set out below. Note that students should not include units previously taken in a masters qualifying year, postgraduate diploma or honours year. Schedule
Course coordinatorDr Alan Dilnot Australian StudiesOffered by the National Centre for Australian Studies, within the School of Humanities Communications and Social SciencesThis program is designed to give students the opportunity to pursue the study of Australian society and culture at an advanced level. Building on a basis provided by relevant interdisciplinary courses, students go on to develop and complete an appropriate research thesis. Students must complete a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words plus two core units for a total of 24 points:
Course coordinatorTo be advised CommunicationsOffered by the National Centre for Australian Studies within the School of Humanities, Communication and Social SciencesThe course seeks to strengthen skills in communications research and analysis and to further students' understanding of both the history and current structure of the communications industry in Australia and of the contemporary policy debates. The course is particularly designed to provide students with the necessary analytical research and writing skills to respond to the rapidly changing policy environment in communications. Most of the coursework units are taught in the Melbourne CBD. Students must complete a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words plus two compulsory units: Course coordinatorDr Mark Gibson Critical TheoryOffered by the Centre for Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies, School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsCritical theory is a term used to describe a whole series of contemporary approaches to textual criticism: hermeneutics and reception theory, semiotics and structuralism, post-structuralism and deconstruction, post-Marxian theories of ideology and post-Freudian theories of psychoanalysis. These have all been central to recent works in literary and cultural studies. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to this complex body of work and an opportunity to apply it to a substantive research thesis, which may focus on literary studies, cultural studies or critical theory itself. The choice of thesis topic will be made in close consultation with a thesis supervisor. Candidates intending to carry out research in comparative literature are normally expected to read literary texts in the original language. The centre welcomes applications from students with good linguistic abilities. The MA by research and coursework will consist of a thesis (of 20,000 to 25,000 words) weighted at 66 per cent, plus two 12-point units selected from the following:
Course coordinatorProfessor Andrew Milner EnglishOffered by the School of English, Communication and Performance StudiesOn completion of the course, students should have consolidated and extended their knowledge of literature, literary theory and the contexts in which literature is produced and read. They should also have consolidated their skills in originating and pursuing research projects independently and extended their skills of analysis, composition and argument. They should also have completed a substantial research thesis which represents a significant contribution to knowledge in the field in which they are working. Students are required to complete a compulsory research thesis of between 20,000 and 25,000 words weighted at 66 per cent, plus two level-five, 12-point units totalling 24 points from the following:
Course coordinatorDr Pauline Nestor European and European Union StudiesOffered by the Monash European and EU CentreThis course will enable students to focus their studies around a research thesis in European/European Union studies. The coursework component is designed to explore the significance of the European Union and its peoples not only in Europe and the EU’s neighbouring countries, but also on the wider international scene. It aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the institutional framework and policy-making processes of the European Union and its relations with non-EU countries, regions and international organizations. It investigates its political, legal, economic, social, humanitarian, environmental, and security implications for Europe and for the international system. Candidates must complete the following units for a total of 24 points of coursework plus a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. Some of the units listed below require pre-requisites. Those candidates who have not completed the required pre-requisites for the units below may be exempted with the approval of the course coordinator.
Students may also take other fifth-year units in cognate areas, in the list of elective units accessible to students of the Master in European and International Studies, in the Faculties of Arts, Business and Economics and Law, with the approval of the course coordinator. Course coordinatorProfessor Pascaline Winand GeographyOffered by the School of Geography and Environmental ScienceThe course is intended for students wishing to obtain the internationally accepted research degree which testifies to high standards of initiative, independence and innovation and which, if gained at a sufficient standard, is accepted as a qualification for admission to the PhD. The MA in Geography by research and coursework entails a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words (66 per cent), plus 24 points of coursework chosen from level 5 units offered by the School of Geography and Environmental Science. Level 5 units from other schools may be chosen, subject to approval. Candidates may also take this course by 100 per cent research and are expected to submit a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words. Whether a student is allowed to undertake a thesis on a particular topic is contingent upon the availability of appropriate supervision. Individual units are offered according to the availability of staff and subject to sufficient enrolments. Course coordinatorDr Haripriya Rangan HistoryOffered by the School of Historical StudiesThis course is designed to provide students with a broader knowledge of specific fields of history and their associated methodological techniques, to introduce key theoretical concepts and questions regarding the nature of historical investigation and the examination of evidence from a variety of sources, and to provide a context of existing approaches and methods for students developing research theses. The course comprises two 12-point units selected from those offered at level 5, and a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. The two units must be completed in the first year (if full-time) or the first two years (if part-time). The following units are available (note that not all are offered every year):
Course coordinatorProfessor David Garrioch International Development and Environmental AnalysisOffered by the School of Geography and Environmental ScienceThis program provides some coursework as a foundation for students undertaking a substantial piece of research relating to international development theory, policy or practice. The course extends the knowledge, research and writing skills of people already working in, or seeking employment in, organisations involved in international or sustainable development. Candidates are required to successfully complete a total of 24 points of coursework units, including 12 points of international development units at level 5; and 12 points of other level 5 units approved by the international development program coordinators. For students who have not completed a 12-point independent research project as part of their qualification, the remaining 12 points of coursework must consist of a supervised research project. Candidates also complete a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. Research topics are determined in consultation with the program coordinators and research supervisors. For detailed information and lists of other units available, contact one of the course coordinators. Course coordinatorsDr Craig Thorburn and Dr Bruce Missingham Interpreting and Translation StudiesOffered by the School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsThis program will enable students to focus their studies around a research thesis in translation/interpreting studies. The coursework component is designed to encourage the theoretical issues and practical application relating to translation/interpreting studies to broaden and deepen the students' understanding of this discipline, thereby providing a fuller appreciation of the context in which the research project will be conceptualised. Candidates are requested to complete the following units for a total of 24 points of coursework plus a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. Some of the units listed below require prerequisites. These would have normally been completed by those students transferring from the Master of Translation Studies by coursework. Those candidates who have not completed the required prerequisites for the units below may be exempted with the approval of the course coordinator:
Students may also take other fifth-year units in related areas, for example comparative literature or applied linguistics, with the approval of the course coordinator. Course coordinatorDr Rita Wilson Applied Japanese LinguisticsOffered by the School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsThis program consists of one-third coursework and two-thirds (66 per cent) thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. The coursework will usually comprise two fifth-year-level one2-point units in applied Japanese linguistics. Course coordinatorAssociate Professor Helen Marriott Japanese StudiesOffered by the School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsStudents enrolled in the Master of Arts in Japanese studies are expected to develop research skills through the completion of a thesis (weighted at 66 per cent) as well as acquiring advanced knowledge of Japanese society, culture, work practices or the economy, or Australia-Japan relations. Students complete a full semester of coursework (24 points), followed by preparation of a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words (66 per cent). The thesis topic must be determined in consultation with the supervisor, who is to be selected in consultation with the graduate coordinator. The course work will usually consist of two level-five 12-point units in Asian studies. Studies may be commenced in either semester. Course coordinatorProfessor Ross Mouer LinguisticsOffered by the School of Languages, Cultures and LinguisticsThe research degree can be undertaken by thesis alone (100 per cent) or by coursework combined with research (66 per cent). Candidates undertaking the degree by 66 per cent research are required to complete a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words and complete two approved 12-point level-five* units. The unit ALM5150 Research design in applied linguistics, may be an appropriate way for students to satisfy part of this requirement. * See the comments under `External masters candidature' in the introduction to this `Research degrees with a coursework component' section. Course coordinatorDr Haripriya Rangan MusicOffered by the School of Music - ConservatoriumStudents complete two of the following 12-point units and undertake a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words.
The course is also offered as a 100 per cent research degree, where students complete a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words. Full-time candidates are required to attend a minimum of 10 of the school's postgraduate seminars during each year of their candidature. Part-time candidates are required to attend a minimum of five seminars per year. Course coordinatorDr Joel Crotty PhilosophyOffered by the School of Philosophy and BioethicsStudents undertake coursework to a value of 24 points - ie two 12-point units - chosen from the section's level-five offerings, and then complete a substantial thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words under the supervision of one or more staff members. All students attend staff and honours seminars, and engage in philosophical discussion with staff members and peers. Level-five units:Units will be offered in both semesters to accommodate mid-year entry (note PHM5010 is a prerequisite for PHM5110). Course coordinatorDr Dirk Baltzly PublishingOffered by the National Centre for Australian Studies, within the School of Humanities, Communications and Social SciencesCandidates will be expected to complete level-five units to the equivalent of 24 points as follows:
* PUB5002 is a core unit required by candidates in the 66 per cent MA in Publishing who have not completed the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Editing or equivalent. In addition, candidates are expected to complete a 66 per cent thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. Students are expected to meet with their supervisor at least on a monthly basis during the completion of their thesis. Normal contact hours for each 12-point unit amounts to the equivalent of two hours per week. Course coordinatorDr David Dunstan Religion and TheologyOffered by the School of Historical StudiesStudents will choose two 12-point units from those offered at level 5. At least one of HYM5175 (Interpreting the Bible: Jewish and Christian perspectives) or RLM5100 (Religion and ceremony in Australian society) must be taken if not already taken at honours or for the masters qualifying or the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Research). In addition, students will complete a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words. Students should choose from the following units. Not all are available each year:
Course coordinatorAssociate Professor Constant Mews TourismOffered by the National Centre for Australian Studies, within the School of Humanities, Communications and Social SciencesThis course seeks to develop a strategic understanding of how the industry operates and is designed for those students who desire to undertake some original research in close association with the industry. Students are encouraged to conduct research internationally with universities that have exchange agreements with Monash. For more information, consult the website at http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/ncas/pgrad/tourism.html. Candidates must complete the following:
Course coordinatorDr Vicki Peel Women's StudiesOffered by the School of Political and Social InquiryCandidates are required to submit a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words (66 per cent). The topic will be in the area of women's studies and chosen in close consultation with the supervisor and graduate adviser. Students must also take two coursework units totalling 24 points, one of which must be WSM5010 (Gender, sexuality, power), unless completed at level 4, plus an elective selected from among approved level five units. This program is recommended for candidates who may not have a strong academic background in feminist theory and gender issues or who are returning to study after a break and would benefit from undertaking coursework units to enhance their understanding of the field. Course coordinatorAssoc. Prof. Maryanne Dever |