Approved by the Programme council for the PhD programme at the Faculty of Social Sciences on 22.09.2011.
When should the midway assessment be completed?
The midway assessment shall be completed after the most significant part of the data collection process is completed, and at a time when the writing of the thesis itself is underway. For candidates on a four-year scholarship the midway assessment will be held some time during the second half of the 5th semester. For candidates on a three-year scholarship the midway assessment takes place during the second half of the 4th semester.
Schedule for the midway assessment:
The candidate will start with an oral presentation lasting about 30 minutes on the progress of the thesis work thus far. During the following 60 minutes the opponents will provide feedback and points for discussion with the candidate. An additional 30 minutes is reserved for comments and questions from others present, and for summarizing, concluding comments. The total estimated duration of the midway assessment is up to two hours.
Written outline
A written document outlining the presentation for the midway assessment must be submitted and made available for anyone interested 3 weeks before the date for the midway assessment. The outline shall include:
a) a tentative overview of the thesis topic, choice of theory, research methods, and chapters - including a short progress report and a writing plan. (in total minimum 2.000 words, maximum 3.000 words)
b) a thesis draft of at minimum 10.000 words, maximum 18.000 words. It is up to the candidate to choose what to present - it can for instance be a draft for one or more chapters (if the thesis is a monograph), or it might be a draft for one or two articles or the introductory section (if the thesis is article-based). Also Included in the outline should be approximately half a page stating the intended role of the text(s) in the thesis, how far the work on the text(s) has come, and how much that remains.
Who shall be present?
The following four persons should be present: The head of the PhD programme, the main supervisor of the candidate as well as two anthropologists with academic expertise equivalent of associate professor or professor (usually recruited from the Department's permanent staff - but not always) - the last two acting as opponents. Others interested are also invited to participate.
Execution of the midway assessment
The head of the PhD programme (or deputy) functions as a moderator for the midway assessment.
As mentioned, two will function as a mix of opponents, questioners, and supervisors. These will be appointed formally by the Head of the Department. They will collaborate on the preparations for the midway assessment including the division of labour for the session, and will provide feedback immideately following the presentation.
The opponents will use up to 60 minutes on the "opposition," either by taking 30 minutes each, or by any other agreed division. In any case, the 60 minutes of "opposition" should include two key elements:
- First, both should spend some time giving the candidate feedback on the written outline and the presentation itself.
- Second, both should engage the candidate in dialogue and discussion on the work of the candidate: they are expected to present opinions and questions for the candidate to respond to.
After the opposition, others present are invited to present questions or comments. Finally the candidate and/or the two opponents may present summarizing and concluding remarks.
Estimated time for this section is 30 minutes.
Assessment
As soon as possible - and no later than two hours after the midway assessment - both opponents along with the Head of the PhD programme shall reward the presentation with either a "pass" or a "fail." A failed midway assessment means a new one will be held 2-6 months later.