Graduate School of Global Humanities and Social Sciences
Thesis Assessment Criteria (Master’s Course)
The criteria for assessing theses are as follows, based on the policy for awarding degrees (i.e., the Diploma Policy).
1. Examination system
The assessment and final examination of the thesis shall be conducted by a degree examination board, consisting of at least three members comprising one main examiner and at least two associate examiners.
2. Examination Method, Evaluation, and Examination Items
The degree examination board will assess the thesis and conduct the final examination based on the examination items described below. The thesis will be graded as AA (90 points or higher), A (80 – 89 points), B (70 – 79 points), C (60 – 69 points) or Fail (59 points or lower).
The thesis assessment and the final examination will be conducted by means of a presentation and oral examination for each candidate of the thesis assessment.
Examination Items
(1) Clarity and appropriateness of research objectives, the topic, and issues
The research objectives, topic, and issues should be clear and appropriate.
(2) Appropriate handling of past research and literature
The candidate should demonstrate adequate knowledge of previous research and appropriate collection of the data and literature necessary to support the thesis.
(3) Appropriateness of research methods and analysis techniques
Research and analysis should be carried out using appropriate and proactive methods and techniques, including how to process, analyze, and interpret data, literature, past works, and examples. In addition, the thesis should contain ideas and points of view that can challenge previous research, and these should have a certain degree of persuasiveness.
*Necessary ethical considerations must be taken into account in the planning and execution of the research plan, the presentation of research results, and the storage of data.
(4) Clarity of the argument and appropriateness of the structure
The argument should be coherent and present a clear and logical conclusion that addresses the issues. In addition, the entire text should be supported by well-written prose with a well-organized structure in terms of its abstract, table of contents, chapters, quotations, reference notes, illustrations, etc.