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Programme structure

The educational component in Social Anthropology amounts to 30 credits and consists of the following required elements:

Course in the Philosophy and Methodology of the Social Sciences and Research Ethics

Scope: 6 credits

All PhD candidates must complete the Faculty of Social Science's required courses:

It is strongly recommended that both the course in the philosophy and methodology of the social sciences and the course in recent anthropological theory, along with accompanying papers are passed before candidates engage in field work.

Regional (-thematic) essay (applicable from spring 2017)

Before fieldwork you must submit a regional (-thematic) essay. The essay gives no credits, but is compulsary for all PhD candidates. The deadline for admission is one month before fieldwork. The essay should be handed in to the administration and to your supervisor. The supervisor will, in collaboration with the PhD leader, mark the essay. More information and guidelines for the essay.

Course in recent anthropological theory

Scope: 10 credits

SOSANT9100 – Recent Theory in Anthropology (discontinued) This course is held in each spring in collaboration with the University of Bergen. The contents of the course vary from year to year.

From spring 2017 this course has been replaced by two courses (5 credits each):

Attendance in Department seminars

During semesters with no field work, all candidates are required to attend at least half of the Department seminars held that semester.

A timetable over attended seminars with names and dates is included in the annual progress report.

Course in writing and research methods

Scope: 2 x 2 credits

All candidates must earn 4 credits (5 credits for candidates admitted prior to 2011) in the following subjects:

Participation in Oslo Summer School in Comparative Social Science Studies

Scope: 10 credits.

Candidates are required to attend the Oslo School of Comparative Social Science Studies at least once over the course of the PhD programme.

The Department of Social Anthropology will cover the expenses of one summer school for each its PhD candidates (candidates who wish to attend more than one Summer School may apply to use their own funds). Quota students may have the course fee covered once, upon application. Candidates financed externally must apply for financial support from their sponsor institution.

Midway assessment

The midway assessment is a required part of the work on the thesis.

The midway assessment consists of:

  • an oral presentation by the candidate
  • a written document forming the basis of the presentation (submitted beforehand)
  • an ”opposition” and an academic evaluation

All candidates admitted after January 1st, 2011 must complete and pass the midway assessment.

For candidates, who as of January 1st, 2011 are in their first 3rd of the PhD programme, the midway assessment is a required part of the educational component, but need not be passed for the candidate to continue the programme. For candidates halfway into their programme, the midway assessment is voluntary.

More information on the Department's midway assessment (pdf) (only in Norwegian)

Course in academic presentation

Required part of the work on the thesis.

Candidates should hold at least one series of lectures or one seminar over the course of the PhD programme. This can be a lecture, lunch seminar, Department seminar, work seminar, conference presentation etc. and should be documented in the progress report.

Published June 18, 2015 10:26 AM - Last modified Oct. 22, 2019 9:53 AM