Tourism studies AV, Independent Reading Course, 7,5 credits

Aim

The aim of the reading course is to develop the student's theoretical and methodological knowledge within a particular area of tourism research by conducting a focused literature review. This course aims at providing students with a solid background knowledge on a given topic and prepare them for the individual master’s thesis research project. The course will also provide the students with the opportunity to practice their skills in retrieving relevant literature, identifying reliable academic sources, analyzing, summarizing, and reporting academic research material. By the end of the course, the students are also expected to produce a draft plan of their upcoming theses.

Course objectives

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to demonstrate:

- The ability to critically analyze, summarize and report on a specific research topic in written form within a given timeframe
- Understanding of the main theories and concepts with the chosen research topic
- Understanding of the main methodological approaches with the chosen research topic
- Understanding of the state-of-art research and main knowledge gaps within the chosen research topic
- Ability to position their own thesis project within the chosen research topic and formulate relevant research questions.
- Ability to develop a thesis plan

Content

The Reading Course is intended to add flexibility to the Master Program by providing students with an opportunity to develop specific interest into a particular area of tourism. Thus, the content of the reading course is highly oriented toward the student’s own research interests and the chosen master’s thesis project topic.

Entry requirements

A bachelor' s degree of at least 180 credits (ECTS) and English course 6/English course B from Swedish Upper Secondary School (Gymnasium) or the equivalent.

Selection rules and procedures

The selection process is in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance and the local order of admission.

Teaching form

Regular update reporting and meetings with the reading course instructor and supervisors.

During examinations, attendance is compulsory. Teaching and feedback can be in English.
Teaching will be through the Mid-Sweden web-based system.

Examination form

0020: Planning seminar, 2.5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

0030: Individual assignment, 5 Credits
Grade scale: Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

As a result of the reading course, the students are expected to submit a detailed literature review report including a thesis plan. The latter report is based on the investigated academic literature, which should comprises a mix of scientific books (text books, hand books, encyclopedia), journal articles and other academic materials, such as conference proceedings and professional scientific reports. At home examinations or other written assignments, a complementary oral presentation may be requested by the teacher. The student should hence demonstrate the necessary knowledge to ensure that the student is the actual sender and the author of the written work.

The examiner has the right to offer alternative examination arrangements to students who have been granted the right to special support by Mid Sweden University's disabilities adviser.

Grading system: www.miun.se/betygskriterier

Examination restrictions

Students admitted to the previous version of this course have the right to graduate 3 times within 1 year according to that syllabus. Thereafter the students are transferred to this syllabus.

Grading system

Seven-grade scale, A, B, C, D, E, Fx and F. Fx and F represent fail levels.

Other information

Course certificates, credits, appeals etc. are regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance.