Insofar as this is possible, the essay’s theme should preferably be connected to one of the faculty’s courses in theory of knowledge.
Starting Point
The ph.d. candidate has themselves the responsibility for suggesting a suitably theme for the theory of knowledge essay. The suggestion goes to the supervisor, who assesses and recommends the suggestion, which then goes on to the ph.d. leader for approval.
An essay implies the following:
- The essay should be at the level of the scholarly discourse in the relevant discipline / subject, and should be relevant for the individual’s dissertation.
- The essay should include an element of research, and not simply be a summary or the equivalent.
- The essay is to count for 3 credits – that represents about 80 working hours. The theory of knowledge essay is a part of the “basic seminar” that in all makes up 10 credits.
- The essay should be 10-15 pages, with full bibliography and references.
- The essay should be sent to the candidate’s supervisor for assessment.
Assessment and approval of essay
- The supervisor assesses the essay, and decides whether it should be returned for final reworking.
- A final response from the supervisor goes in writing to the ph.d. leader with a copy to the ph.d. candidate about 2 months after the receipt of the essay.
- The ph.d. leader gives final approval with copy to the supervisor and research consultant.
Publication
Approved essays should be sent in for (assessment for) publication in a relevant scholarly journal. The candidate, in consultation with supervisor, assesses which journals may be applicable: Norwegian, Nordic, or international.