BA & MA ArtScience: What is a thesis
A thesis is an in-depth theoretical investigation within the field of art, science (including life sciences, philosophy of science, technology and engineering), the social sciences, and / or the humanities, on a subject that the student is personally, professionally and / or artistically engaged in.
In the thesis, the student addresses issues with the intention to find answers or new insights through experimentation, investigation, and argumentation at the intersection of the arts and sciences. The student’s awareness of the context of their research topic (social, artistic, scientific, historical, etc.) is apparent. The thesis gives evidence of a thorough understanding of the interrelationship between theory and practice within the chosen field(s). In addition, the thesis is a manifestation of the opportunity seized by the student to deepen and broaden their interest, and to share and show the outcome of their investigation.
For ArtScience in particular, the student exhibits their ability, in the process of researching and writing, to identify, develop, investigate and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes as appropriate within the ArtScience domain [2.A.7 Program Objectives].
What does a thesis consist of
A thesis is a discursive1 account of, and reflection on the investigation and consists of 5.000 – 7.500 words. It contains the following elements (not necessarily in this order):
– title
– table of contents
– introduction
– main body: method (how), material / subject (what), relevancy (why, for whom); artistic, scientific, theoretical framework (context); description, experimentation
– discussion (synthesis, analysis)
– summary or conclusion
– acknowledgement (optional)
– foot- or endnotes, list of references and of visuals (Chicago Manual of Style, CMS)
1 The thesis comes as a text in written form. Required is substantiated critical and reflective writing, not necessarily scholarly or (semi-)academic writing. The argument can be enhanced / substantiated / challenged by non-linguistic and / or ‘creative writing’ elements. The final execution may be in print, but can also be a performance (e.g. podcast), a film essay, a website.
Distinction BA / MA
Thesis writing programme objectives (see Master Handbook) for BA / MA:
– 2.B.2 Exhibit comprehensive knowledge of concepts, repertoire and literature within the ArtScience domain.
– 2.C.1. Exhibit advanced skills in critical thinking and critical awareness.
– 2.C.5. Evidenced ability to integrate knowledge drawn from a variety of contexts or perspectives.
– 2.C.7. Recognise the interrelationship between theory and practice, and apply such knowledge to underpin and strengthen your own artistic development.
Additional for MA:
– 2.A.7. Evidenced ability to develop, research and evaluate ideas, concepts and processes as appropriate within the ArtScience domain.
Furthermore:
BA thesis research and writing aims to support and enhance student’s artistic and personal development and growth, and to connect concerns and interests with their practice and the outer world.
In the MA thesis, a thorough understanding and independent execution of doing (artistic / experimental / theoretical / scientific) research is demonstrated, as well as student’s ability to communicate clearly and to the point. There is an evident and argued topical, material alignment between student’s (art) practice and the research within the thesis.
Collaboration student – thesis supervisor – coach
The thesis supervisor is responsible for scheduling the thesis writing process and for setting and keeping deadlines. The thesis supervisor guides and monitors the student’s process of investigation, experimentation, and writing towards submission; guards the use of clear language and the development of a sound argument; and keeps an eye on student’s well being within and during the process. The process of writing is considered as a tool for doing research, next to its obvious function as a means of communication.
It is the student’s responsibility to share texts and to initiate conversations with their coach on content and subject matter, and to inform their coach about the progress of the writing process.
The coach supports the student in finding relevant and original resources to corroborate and develop the theoretical investigation (thesis supervisor may do so too). The coach and thesis supervisor share responsibility to approach and inform one another if a situation arises that hampers or delays the writing process (be it a student’s personal issue or otherwise).
Assessment and grading
Since 2022 the assessment criteria, related to the programme objectives, are:
Conceptual / theoretical research: shallow / conventional —> thorough / original
Execution (writing, argumentation): simple / superficial —> enriched / profound
Critical reflection: weak —> strong
Presentation: anonymous / routinely —> expressive / experimental
Growth: marginal / invisible —> impressive / integrated
Grading is the joint responsibility of coach and thesis supervisor. Coach and supervisor must be aware of, and keep from grading (partially) based on “teacher bias”, “strategic grading” or student’s artistic performance at the Preview.
Mid April a pass / hold / fail + preliminary grade is set for the digital submission. After latest adjustments and design, a 1-10 grade is set by June 1 (max. +/- 0,5 divergence from preliminary grade). In both instances, coaches deliver a short motivation for their assessment and grade to thesis supervisor.
Thesis supervisor contacts the coach in case of divergent opinions. In case of insurmountable differences of opinion, the head of ArtScience reads along and mediates.
The final outcome of the assessment and grading process is communicated by thesis supervisor to the individual student before publication in Osiris. This communication comes with a short explanation / commentary from both coach and thesis supervisor.
The student has the right to re-sit. Coach is responsible for both process and guidance, and communicates with the student and with thesis supervisor on proceedings and timing. On finalisation, thesis supervisor co-assesses the thesis (as above).
Publication and dissemination
After completion, student hands in one physical copy at the ArtScience library (compulsory). Also, student publishes the digital version in the Research Catalogue (researchcatalogue.net, compulsory).
Other publication options include:
– Leonardo / ISAST (International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology) https://leonardo.info/graduate-abstracts
(= a database of graduate thesis abstracts, PhD, MA and MFA + a peer reviewed selection published in the Leonardo journal);
– PARC (platform for research collaboration) = an initiative of the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts of Leiden University (ACPA) and the KC and KABK. Publication site: Researchplatform.art.
A short note on ChatGPT and plagiarism
2022 saw the first (partially) ChatGPT generated thesis at ArtScience. Since, the present thesis supervisor has established a provisional set of rules on the use of AI and LLM’s, pending university- (HdK), faculty (KABK / KC), or Interfaculty (ArtScience) policy:
AI and LLM’s can be applied in the thesis writing process as supportive, not productive, tools. The permitted application is limited to translation of student-produced text, and to structuring of (elements of) student-produced text. The original underlying student-produced texts remain accessible. The prompt(s) must be made explicit in the text (footnote or otherwise). It is explicitly stated, within the thesis, where, for which purpose, and to what extent AI or LLM is used. In that sense, AI and LLM are treated as any external source or reference. Violation of this set of rules is treated as plagiarism.
Plagiarism is the representation of another person’s language, thoughts, ideas, or expressions as one’s own original work [definition from Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plagiarism, accessed 08-23-2024]. Depending on the extend and / or frequency of plagiarism within a thesis, one or more chapters need to be revised or rewritten. In severe cases, the entire thesis is rejected.
