Master thesis (project)

Language

French

Main themes

Regardless of the research question chosen, the master thesis (internship) is an opportunity for the student to :

• conduct a critical analysis of a given scientific question ;
• contextualize an issue in relation to current knowledge ;
• scientifically present the results of their work by justifying their methodological choices and arguing their hypotheses.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

At the end of this learning unit, the student will be able to : Correctly identify the object of the research and pose a problem Implement a heuristic approach; Interpret the data collected in a nuanced manner and synthesize it; Express his/her research results with clarity and nuance; Take advantage of field experience, carrying out certain tasks himself or herself and observing the practices of professionals in action.

Content

The master thesis (internship) consists of two parts: the internship report aims to present the 240-hour internship (or two 120-hour internships) carried out in a location validated by the jury and the critical analysis of an archival and/or information management issue related to the internship.
The first part of the master thesis (internship) consists of a presentation of the internship carried out by the student (10 pages). This first part of the thesis is made up of four sections:

• A presentation of the internship site: this must be a complete and synthetic presentation of the organization in which the internship took place (organization, mission, organization chart, department where the student was welcomed, etc.).
• A description of the work performed: the different types of tasks performed, the projects carried out, the context in which these activities were developed. The purpose is to explain to the reader the nature of the internship. The form of this text is left to the discretion of the student. This part can be completed by appendices where useful documents will be filed (for example, the productions made).
• A critical reflection on the place and the nature of the internship: the student must show distance from the professional field and develop an evaluation of the place, the actions carried out, the teams. Reflection on archival and information management issues will be particularly appreciated.
• Self-assessment: the student will make a reasoned assessment of the internship. The aim is to take stock of the positive elements or weaknesses, the way in which the internship was experienced, the student's confrontation with the professional environment, etc. This self-evaluation must be based on the student's own experience. This self-evaluation must be supported by examples and situations experienced during the internship.

The second part aims to produce a theoretical and critical reflection based on an issue related to archival and/or information management issues (20 pages). This question must be related to the type of internship that the student is considering, the location where he or she will be working, the issues related to this field, etc. The argument is built on the basis of theoretical readings and the realities observed during the internship. The subject of this analysis is determined in consultation with the promoter.

Teaching methods

The supervision of the master thesis is carried out through a double mechanism.

• The thesis support seminar considers various methodological aspects inherent to the realization of such a work, including the delimitation of a subject and a research problem, the selection of a documentary corpus and the methodology to be used, time management and work planning, scientific and argumentative writing, as well as the citation of sources and the referencing of the critical apparatus;
• The individual interviews that the student requests from his/her promoter;
• The fieldwork carried out.

Evaluation methods

Based on the master thesis submitted, the jury will assess, on the one hand, the student's ability to identify a research subject and to pose a problem, to conduct a quality heuristic investigation, to apply the principles of documentary criticism to the works and/or sources used, to synthesize the information gathered and to communicate it in writing; and, on the other hand, the student's ability to present the results of his/her research.
The thesis will be the subject of an oral defense that will give the student the opportunity to briefly present the main lines of his/her research. The jury will then submit its reactions and questions to the recipient. The oral defense, lasting twenty minutes (presentation and questions), will be taken into account in the final evaluation.

Faculty or entity

EHAC