Bachelor degree programme
in
International Relations
and
International Organization
INFORMATION BROCHURE
ON THE
BACHELOR THESIS
July 2011
Nienke de Deugd
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Introduction
This brochure is designed to help students with their bachelor thesis. Although the preparatory research and
the actual writing of the thesis are individual activities, every student must bear a number of agreed norms in
mind. Please read the rules, hints and criteria carefully before you start your bachelor thesis.
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Definition and features of the thesis
The IRIO bachelor thesis is written in conjunction with an IRIO core module and is a reasoned discussion
based on individual analysis with reference to an issue of political-social relevance in the field of
international relations. It is the result of substantial literature and source research characterized at least by
thematic multi-disciplinarity, feedback and synthesis and, where possible, theoretical underpinning.
On the basis of this definition, the following characteristics are defined:
* Reasoned discussion on the basis of analysis: An answer will be formulated based on well-argued answers
to sub-questions via a problem definition that is socially relevant and motivated. The thesis is thus neither a
descriptive work nor an inventory, report, policy document, manual or the like.
* Analysis of a problem in the field of international relations: The analysis must be directed towards a matter
of political-social relevance that matches the theme discussed in the core module with regard to content. The
core module lecturer will set out further conditions concerning the content in the programme manual, or
during the core module lectures.
* Substantial literature and source study: The discussion must demonstrate knowledge of the current state of
research and enrich the existing scientific knowledge. The discussion must not be confined to a reformulation
of results from literature and must explore new sources of knowledge. The resulting analysis must be the
credible result of at least ten weeks of full-time study at academic level.
* Multi-disciplinarity: Theories provided during the core module will be central to the thesis research. The
resulting analysis will be thematically expanded and supported by elements and arguments derived from
other disciplines in the IRIO programme in Groningen, particularly international legal and economic
relations.
* Feedback and synthesis: The discussion must demonstrate cohesion and structure and the conclusion must
flow logically from and be supported by the arguments presented in the various chapters.
* Theoretical underpinning: The requirements regarding the theoretical underpinning depend on the core
module theme and will be set by the core module lecturer.
* Finally: Each core module has specific requirements concerning the thematic content and type of analysis.
The core module lecturer will pay attention to this during the lectures.
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Position and timing of the thesis in the study programme
A bachelor thesis is written in conjunction with an IRIO Bachelor core module and is the final part of the
Bachelor phase. During the first part of the core module, attention will be paid to research design. During the
lectures, attention will be paid to writing a thesis proposal and the conditions set by the lecturer for the thesis
will be explained. Once the thesis proposal has been approved and the core module exam passed, students
can work independently on their bachelor thesis. Within each bachelor thesis, you can specialize in one or
two of the following themes: (1) International Political Economy; (2) Global Governance; (3) European
Integration; or (4) International Security.
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Preparation for the thesis and planning
You should already start thinking about your thesis topic at an early stage. During the reading week, you
must hand in a thesis proposal to the core module lecturer. This proposal must contain a justification and
motivation, a sharply outlined problem definition, a provisional chapter arrangement with the related subquestions, a short list of hypotheses and a brief sources and literature list. These will be discussed with each
student individually. If the initial proposal is not sufficient, students will be offered a second chance. If a
student still does not succeed in writing a suitable proposal, he or she may not follow any more of the core
module lectures.
Once the proposal has been approved by the lecturer, the individual writing process can follow. During a core
module, students may choose to pay collective attention during lectures (after the exam) to the progress of
research and discussions of each other’s work. At the end of the semester (during the exam period) the core
module lecturer will organize a final symposium. All the theses will be presented and commented on by
fellow students. After this symposium, students will have a maximum of a week to process the comments and
to hand in a definitive version of their thesis to the lecturer.
It is possible to rewrite a substandard bachelor thesis. For core modules from semester I, the deadline for this
second (and final) attempt is the last working day of week 8 of the second semester. For core
modules from semester II, the deadline for this second (and final) attempt is the last working day of
August. If the Bachelor thesis still does not pass at the second attempt, a new bachelor thesis must be
written. This will be done with the lecturer responsible for the IRIO core module in the semester in which
the same core module and related bachelor thesis are offered. However, it is also possible to follow a
completely different core module and related bachelor thesis. The first part of the next core module (5 ECTS)
will then be regarded as an optional module.
Entry requirements for the bachelor thesis: Conditions for an assessment of the Bachelor thesis are passing
the core module exam and an approved thesis proposal.
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Realization of the thesis
Many of the aspects concerning the bachelor thesis dealt with in this section, for example the techniques and
methodologies learned, also apply to the preparatory work and writing of the thesis.
5.1
Problem definition, sources and literature research
A crucial part of any thesis is the way that the problem definition and the related sub-questions are defined.
Thus it is important to take sufficient time for this. After all, a good problem definition, in the form of an
introductory question, can significantly reduce problems during the research and writing phases. The
question must be open-ended, have an analytical character (‘How far…’, ‘To what degree…’ etc.) and be able
to be answered by an evaluating conclusion. The question must have recognizable thematic and temporal
frameworks. It can sometimes be important to work the theoretical component of the problem into the
question too.
In general: every thesis must be based on a representative collection of sources and literature (with a total
size of at least 1200 pages of consulted text).
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5.2
The writing process
The writing process is a creative process that takes a lot of time. Students should pay particular attention to
justification/motivation, content, style and language, and composition/structure during the writing process
(see for an extensive discussion of these elements: Appendix 2). Careful formulations are crucially important;
careless use of language and style is usually an indication of careless thought processes and should be
avoided at all costs.
5.3
Notes and justification
Literature references, the footnotes and the literature list must be presented following a consistent system.
5.4
Size and presentation
The bachelor thesis must be 25-30 pages long (= 10,000 words) (excluding appendices, notes and
literature/source lists).
Presentation: The complete version of the thesis must be presented neatly in A4 format for assessment. The
thesis must include a title page with name, address, student number and phone number of the student, as
well as the name of the supervising lecturer. The pages must have wide margins, with the text typed in a
common font (for example Times Roman 12 with line spacing 1.5). In addition to the title page, the thesis
must have a table of contents, introduction (with problem definition, motivation, justification and subquestions), discussion, conclusion, appendices (if necessary), thorough footnotes and an extensive source
and literature list. Once the final version has been discussed with and approved by the lecturer, one copy of
the Bachelor thesis must be handed in to the secretariat.
5.5
Presentation of the thesis during the core module symposium
To round off the core module, all bachelor theses will be presented and discussed during the core module
symposium. The aim of this meeting is to discuss and debate the contents of the different research projects.
Students will be expected to critically study the work of their fellow students and report on these both orally
and in written form.
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Supervision
The core module lecturer will supervise the writing of the bachelor thesis. The supervision of the Bachelor
thesis can in principle be divided into five or six phases:
1. During the core module lectures, attention will be paid to the criteria set for the research design and the
Bachelor thesis.
2. During the preparatory phase, the research design will be discussed at least once individually with the
lecturer (see section 4).
3. During the research phase, the first chapter will be discussed at least, either collectively during the core
module lecture, or individually. If necessary, the research design and problem definition will be adjusted.
4. For the core module symposium, a complete version of the thesis must be handed in. This will not be
assessed by the lecturer but commented on by fellow students.
5. Lastly, the final version of the thesis will be read, commented on and assessed by the lecturer.
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6. If the result is not satisfactory, the thesis must be adapted. This adapted version will also be read,
commented on and assessed by the lecturer.
The Centre for Study Support and Academic Skills has a thesis clinic for students with problems with their
research or with writing their thesis. Students can also go the Academic Writing Centre for help. Please
contact the study advisor or Centre for Study Support and Academic Skills at the RUG, tel. 363 5548, for
more information about these services.
The study advisor can also provide information about planning the core module and the Bachelor thesis
phase into the total study programme.
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Assessment and marking
Assessment takes place in line with the criteria listed in Appendix 3. In all cases, the quality and relevance of
the own analysis and theoretical underpinning will have significant influence on the final result.
The thesis will be awarded 10 ECTS credits.
Students will be issued with an exam slip after handing in the final version (in duplicate).
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Rights and obligations
Students have a right to thesis supervision as set out in Section 6. Students also have the obligation to collect
information in a correct, i.e. independent way and to write a bachelor thesis in line with the rules and
customs of the RUG. Fraud and plagiarism will be punished severely. Partial or inaccurate source
references and deliberate false references will count against the student. The bachelor thesis must be the
fruits of independent scientific research. Copying, literally translating or too closely paraphrasing consulted
works do not conform to this and are thus not tolerated. The lecturer has the right to see the consulted
sources and literature and students must provide the lecturer with this material if required.
With regard to copyright, the copyright is shared – both the lecturer and the student have copyright of the
bachelor thesis. This means that there can be no publication without each other’s permission.
Students must ensure that as soon as possible after completion, a copy of the bachelor thesis is handed into
the IRIO Student Administration Office for the thesis archive. The thesis must be accompanied by a form
stating whether permission has been given for the bachelor thesis to be consulted. This form is available from
the secretariat and can also be downloaded from Nestor. This form must be handed in – accompanied by the
Bachelor thesis – because the thesis title details are essential for preparing the list of marks!
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Requesting and procedure for the final assessment for the Bachelor degree
Students on the point of finishing the Bachelor phase must report to the Office of Student Affairs of the
Faculty of Arts at least two months before the date on which they wish to graduate. They can then complete
the official request forms for the final assessment. The Bachelor degree certificate is always dated to the last
working day of the month – this is the official date of graduation. The degree certificate ceremony will take
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place at a later date. See Appendix 4. Students are advised to report to the study advisor well in advance of
the planned graduation date to check whether all the conditions for graduation have been satisfied.
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APPENDIX 1 IRIO core modules 2011-2012
Semester 1
Topic
China, Asia and the world. Shifting power relations?
Lecturer
dr. J.F. Meijer
Topic
The enlargement of the European Union
Lecturer
dr. N. de Deugd
Topic
Human rights, democracy and transition
Lecturer
dr. C. K. Lamont
Topic
Internationale conflictbeslechting en (noties van) rechtvaardigheid
Lecturer
mr. dr. C.L.B. Kocken
(Provisionally) Semester 2
Topic
Non-western politics and international relations
Lecturer
P.A. Hevia, Ma
Topic
Transformatie in Centraal-Azië
Lecturer
prof. dr. H.W. Hoen
Topic
The Middle East and its external relations
Lecturer
dr. E.A.V. Matthies-Boon
Topic
Europa en Europeanisering
Lecturer
Prof. dr. J. van der Harst and dr. A.G. Harryvan
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APPENDIX 2 Bachelor thesis criteria
Writing the thesis: criteria and areas for special attention
Your thesis will be assessed on the following criteria:
1
Structure (organization and development)
2
Language and style (transparent and correct use of language)
3
Content (level of analysis and student’s own perspective)
4
Use of literature and sources, annotation, and overall appearance
These criteria are closely interrelated as different aspects of one and the same concept of quality.
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Structure
a
Your thesis should have an introduction and a conclusion.
b
In the introduction, you should mention the problem definition of your research project. You should
introduce your topic to the reader and define it as clearly as possible (what? where? who? when?
how?).
c
The problem definition should be broken up into sub-questions, which are the different aspects
that will be dealt with in the body of the text. The division into sub-questions matches the division
into chapters.
d
The introduction should also comprise a motivation, specifying the importance of your topic and
the relevance of your problem definition. You should try to catch the reader’s attention by placing
your topic in its wider context, and justify the limitations you have imposed upon yourself when
demarcating your subject area.
e
In addition, the introduction should present a justification for the design of your thesis: discuss
the division into chapters. Generally, this should combine well with the discussion of the subquestion structure.
f
The introduction, finally, is also the appropriate place to mention the research method you have
used, any archives you may have consulted, a theory that has guided your search, etc.
g
In the conclusion, you should summarize the main results of your research project and formulate
an answer to the problem definition.
h
The conclusion should be a perfect mirror image of the introduction: everything discussed in the
problem definition must be dealt with in the conclusion. The introduction and the conclusion,
therefore, are a single logical unit, even for those readers who have skipped the body of the text.
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i
In the body of the text, between the introduction and the conclusion, you should unfold your answer
to the problem definition. What you write in the body, therefore, must be functional in developing
your argument and answer to functional norms.
- Do not write for the sake of it and avoid showing off.
- If you enter into detail, it must be clear why you are doing so.
- Make sure your paragraphs and sections have a clearly defined purpose.
2
Language and style
a
In the language that you use, communication with the reader should be your main concern. You are
attempting to get a message across. Your writing, therefore, should be phrased in clear and
correct English or Dutch.
b
Aim for precision and clarity in your sentence structure. Please beware of using long
sentences and avoid obscure constructions.
c
Beware of switching between tenses (such as past tense and present perfect) where this is not
functional.
d
If you paraphrase, do not stay too close to the English, French, or German source text.
e
Always make clear whose text we are reading: that of an author referred to by you, that of an actor in
the subject matter you are dealing with, or your own.
f
Exercise restraint in your use of quotations. Only use them if they serve telling illustrative
purposes. Never insert quotations by themselves; they should always be introduced or explained. Do
not use quotations instead of using your own words: do not suggest implicitly but argue
explicitly. Presenting your own paraphrase rather than a quotation often yields better results.
g
Avoid switching languages. Render foreign terms in correct synonyms in the language in
which your thesis is written. Do not exercise too much restraint in introducing new terms;
neologisms enrich the language. If you have doubts or feel that your terminology might cause
misunderstanding, introduce the term in its original language in a footnote.
h
Language errors irritate readers and distract their attention from the substance of your argument. In
terms of style and spelling, your thesis should be impeccable, as if you were a policymaker writing a
memorandum for your minister.
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Content
a
A thesis must demonstrate the author’s ability to independently reason. This may not always be
easy, but it is a vital requirement. Do not just copy what others have written for you, but develop
your own views and ideas and incorporate these into your thesis.
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b
Your own views must be argued; however, they neither need to be founded on masses of detail nor
have to match those of your lecturer in order for them to be valued.
c
Indicate very clearly where you are following other people’s lines of reasoning and where you are
profiling your own.
d
Do not hesitate to use your critical faculties and try to:
- distinguish between authors consulted by you and their approaches
- make critical comments to these approaches
- contextualize literature consulted by you
- categorize an author into a school of thought
- point out facts or developments that contradict the author’s point of view
- identify crucial points the author fails to address
- balance views, if possible, and make a comparative assessment.
e
The use of primary source material offers excellent opportunities for demonstrating your ability to
analyse, interpret and reason as this allows you to present mainly your own findings and conclusions.
The same generally applies to the use of printed sources, such as annual reports, proceedings of the
European Parliament, CBS surveys, etc.
f
Ours is an interfaculty programme, and this should be reflected in the content of your thesis when
and where appropriate. The ideal IRIO thesis should incorporate economic and legal lines of
reasoning in addition to political and historical analyses. Please aim to make such combinations.
Such a cocktail of elements from different disciplines usually produces excellent theses.
g
Incorporating concepts and connections derived from international relations theory may help to
upgrade a thesis.
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Use of literature and sources, annotation, and overall appearance
a
Your thesis should be accompanied by footnotes, in which you justify the materials you have
consulted for a particular section of the text and in which you include more detailed explanations
that would be out of place in the main body of the text (for example, biographical details,
explanations of technical terms or the source text of a translated quotation).
b
This needs to be done in accordance with the guidelines of a current system for scientific
annotation.
c
Please take note of the following rules:
- Descriptions of facts, developments, circumstances, etc. that are undisputed in the literature and on
which there is a general consensus need not be accounted for in a footnote.
- If, however, you adopt an interpretation, line of reasoning or train of thought from someone else,
this does need to be accounted for in the footnotes.
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- If an entire segment of the text, such as the introduction, is based on several authors that do not
contradict each other, it is allowed and usually more practicable to insert a general footnote after the
title with the following text:
‘The information used in this section, if not otherwise indicated, has been derived from the following
works [list + page numbers]’.
- Tables and graphs taken from another publication or source always require this source to be
acknowledged. This acknowledgement is not included in a footnote but at the bottom of the
borrowed table or graph.
- Every quotation must have a footnote specifying its origin.
- If you use a quotation found in the work of another author rather than in the original source,
mention the other author’s reference and add ‘found in [adding publication and page where you
found the quotation]’. Make sure you do not claim for yourself what someone else has found.
- Use abbreviations (such as cf., ibid., op. cit., etc.) in conformity with current conventions.
d
Your thesis should contain a separate list of literature and sources consulted, drawn up in
line with current conventions. Only mention publications and sources you have consulted in actual
fact (a literature list is not a bibliography) and make sure that each publication that appears in the
footnotes is included in this list.
e
Organizations, institutions, treaties and other matters you will be referring to by their abbreviation
should be written out in full the first time you use them, followed by the bracketed abbreviation you
will be using henceforth. So: European Union (EU).
f
Historical figures such as Napoleon excepted, people in your text need to be introduced, specifying
at least their role in your story. So do not say, ‘Delors disagreed with the Dutch proposal’, but ‘The
chairman of the European Commission, J. Delors, disagreed with the Dutch proposal’.
g
Your thesis should have a solid page numbering system and a table of contents.
h
With the external appearance of the thesis, please avoid giving the impression that you thoroughly
dislike your readers and are out to complicate their reading process as much as possible. The care
you devote to conceiving the content should also be apparent from its appearance. Please avoid:
- cluttered page layout
- small margins (leave space for lecturer’s notes)
- printer cartridges running low
- illustrations that fade and wilt in the photocopying process
- a multitude of appendices.
i
Do not permit yourself to make spelling mistakes – check the final version thoroughly for typing
errors and other silly mistakes.
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APPENDIX 3 Assessment criteria
The following elements and parts of the thesis will contribute to the overall assessment:
1. Introduction
a. Orientation and motivation of the subject
b. Presentation and design of the problem definition
c. Presentation of the chapter arrangement and division of the problem definition into sub questions
d. Methodological justification
e. Theoretical justification
f. Presentation and motivation of source use
2. Main text
a. Consistency of the arrangement of the discussion into chapters and sections
b. Correctness, consistency and relevance of the text with regard to the problem definition (and the subquestions derived from it)
c. Specification of the research method
d. Correctness, consistency and relevance of the theoretical underpinning
e. Analytical and multidisciplinary content
f. Processing, interpretation and relevance of the literature and sources consulted
g. Correctness and relevance of the included graphs, tables, statistics, etc.
3. Conclusion
a. Correctness and relevance
b. Link to problem definition and main text
e. Analytical and multidisciplinary content
d. Interpretative content
4. Footnotes, literature list and appendices
a. Design
b. Correctness and accuracy
c. Completeness
5. Language and style
a. Careful spelling, punctuation, sentence construction, paragraph division
b. Clarity
c. Variation
6. Presentation
a. Careful typing, design, title page, table of contents, pagination, graphs/tables
b. Completeness
c. Neatness
General criterion: independent work/ independence
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APPENDIX 4 Procedure for the Final Assessment for the Bachelor Degree in International
Relations and International Organizations
A student who wants to take the final assessment for the Bachelor degree in IRIO must take the following
steps.
1
Two months before finishing the degree programme, he or she must submit a request for admission
to the final assessment for the Bachelor degree. The relevant form is available from the Office of
Student Affairs of the Faculty. The completed, signed form (which must indicate clearly which exam
parts still need to be completed at the moment the form is submitted) must be handed in to the
Student Affairs desk. It is advisable to make an appointment with the study advisor well in advance of
the planned graduation date to ensure that you really have completed all the parts of the degree
programme and have gained enough ECTS credits. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises.
Ensure that all results that you have achieved (including those from outside the Faculty) have been
processed in Progress.www.
2
You must hand in the last exam slip to the Office of Student Affairs. You must also state that this is
your last exam slip so that the procedure involving the Board of Examiners can be started. (see point
4)
3
In addition: As soon as the Bachelor thesis has been approved, hand in a copy to the secretariat of
IRIO to be stored in your personal file in the archive. The thesis may be consulted on request by
interested parties, on condition that both the student and the supervisor have given permission.
When handing in the thesis, students will be asked to complete and sign a declaration to this end.
The secretariat will also ask the supervisor to complete the declaration and sign it.
4
At the end of each month, the Permanent Board of Examiners of IRIO will make the final decision
about which candidates in the month in question have satisfied the conditions of the final assessment
for the Bachelor degree. The day on which this is determined (= the last working day of the month) is
the official date of graduation, and that is the date that will be recorded on the degree certificate
(important for matters like student grants, returning the student travel pass, reimbursement of
tuition fees, etc.).
There are shared Bachelor degree certificate ceremonies twice a year (dates to be determined by the Board of
Examiners). Students will be invited to attend the degree certificate ceremony by the Office of Student Affairs
of the Faculty. Remember to report any change of address after you graduate to the RUG Central Student
Administration office.
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Students who stop studying after gaining their Bachelor degree must cancel their
grant from the IBG themselves. Don’t forget to return your travel pass within 5
working days of the date of graduation and arrange any reimbursement of tuition
fees (via CSA).
If you intend to continue on to a Master’s degree after your Bachelor degree, you
do not have to contact the IBG and your student grant will continue. You must of
course follow the normal registration procedure for the Master’s degree in
question.
QUESTIONS?
-
Student Administration Office, Ms H. de Boer, tel. 3637695, e-mail: [email protected]
-
IRIO Secretariat, fifth floor, building 11, room 511, tel. 363 8986
-
IRIO study advisors, appointments via the secretariat
-
Secretary of the Permanent Board of Examiners of IRIO, appointments via the secretariat
-
Office of Student Affairs of the Faculty of Arts, tel. 363 5840.
For further information: see the Central Student Administration folder you receive when you hand in your
last exam slip. You can also find information on the Office of Student Affairs Faculty of Arts website:
Http://www.rug.nl/let/voorzieningen/bureaustudentzaken/index
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