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Master of Arts Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Global Perspectives on Master's Degrees

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Global Perspectives on Master's Degrees Study Guide

Foundations and Global Origins of Master's Degrees

The Master of Arts (MA) degree is exclusively awarded for studies within the humanities and social sciences.

Answer: False

Explanation: While typically awarded for studies in the humanities and social sciences, the Master of Arts (MA) degree is not exclusively confined to these fields, as some institutions may offer it for traditionally scientific disciplines.

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The abbreviations MA and AM for a Master of Arts degree originate from the Latin terms Magister in Artibus or Artium Magister.

Answer: True

Explanation: The abbreviations MA and AM, commonly used for the Master of Arts degree, are indeed derived from the Latin phrases 'Magister in Artibus' or 'Artium Magister'.

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The Licentia docendi was a historical degree awarded in Spain to certify graduate teachers.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Licentia docendi was historically a teaching license originating from the University of Paris, not a degree awarded in Spain for certifying teachers.

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The historical origin of the Master of Arts degree is linked to a teaching license from the University of Paris.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical lineage of the Master of Arts degree is indeed connected to the Licentia docendi, a teaching license established at the University of Paris.

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According to the provided information, which academic field is least commonly associated with a Master of Arts (MA) degree?

Answer: Physics

Explanation: The Master of Arts (MA) degree is typically awarded for studies within the humanities and social sciences. Fields such as History, Linguistics, and Diplomacy are commonly associated with the MA. Physics, being a scientific discipline, is more commonly associated with a Master of Science (MS) degree.

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According to the source, what is a key difference between a typical Master of Arts and a Master of Science degree?

Answer: MAs are typically for humanities/social sciences, while MScs are for scientific disciplines.

Explanation: A primary distinction is that Master of Arts (MA) degrees are generally awarded for studies in the humanities and social sciences, whereas Master of Science (MS) degrees are typically conferred for scientific disciplines.

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What historical teaching license from the University of Paris is cited as the origin of the Master of Arts degree?

Answer: Licentia Docendi

Explanation: The Master of Arts degree's historical origins are traced to the Licentia docendi, a teaching license established at the University of Paris, intended to certify graduate teachers.

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What is the primary purpose of the Master of Arts degree, historically linked to the Licentia docendi?

Answer: To certify graduate teachers of their subjects.

Explanation: Historically, the Master of Arts degree, linked to the Licentia docendi, served the primary purpose of certifying individuals as graduate teachers of their respective subjects.

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Master's Degrees in the United Kingdom and Ireland

At most UK and Irish universities, the Master of Arts is primarily a research-based degree requiring extensive independent research.

Answer: False

Explanation: At most UK and Irish universities, the Master of Arts (MA) is typically structured as a taught postgraduate program, often involving lectures, examinations, and a dissertation, rather than being primarily research-based.

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The Master of Arts degree at ancient Scottish universities like Oxford and Cambridge is a postgraduate degree.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Oxford and Cambridge are often grouped with ancient Scottish universities in discussions of tradition, their Master of Arts degrees, along with those from Dublin, are conferred based on standing after a bachelor's, not as postgraduate degrees. The MA at truly ancient Scottish universities (St. Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Edinburgh) is also an undergraduate degree.

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Graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin can receive the MA title without further examination after completing their Bachelor of Arts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin are indeed eligible to receive the Master of Arts (MA) title a certain number of years after completing their Bachelor of Arts degree, without the need for further examinations.

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The Magister Juris is a master's degree at Oxford intended for students from common law backgrounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Magister Juris at Oxford is a master's degree specifically designed for students originating from civil law jurisdictions, distinct from the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) which is for common law backgrounds.

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Master's degrees in the UK and Ireland are now typically classified as Fail, Pass, Pass with Merit, or Pass with Distinction.

Answer: True

Explanation: Contemporary master's degrees in the UK and Ireland are commonly classified using a system that includes Fail, Pass, Pass with Merit, and Pass with Distinction, although historically they were often awarded without grades.

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The MPhil degree at Oxford and Cambridge is typically a one-year taught master's degree.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree at Oxford and Cambridge is generally considered a research degree, typically requiring two years of study, rather than a one-year taught program.

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The MSt degree at Oxford and Cambridge is a one-year master's degree that often combines coursework with research.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Master of Studies (MSt) degree at Oxford and Cambridge is indeed a one-year master's program that frequently integrates coursework with research components.

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The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Oxford is a master's degree intended for students from civil law backgrounds.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Oxford is a master's degree, but it is specifically intended for students coming from a common law background, not civil law.

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The Master of Letters (MLitt) is primarily offered as a taught master's degree in Scottish universities.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Master of Letters (MLitt) is typically offered as a research degree in Scottish universities and at Cambridge, rather than primarily as a taught master's degree.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a common earned master's degree at Oxford and Cambridge?

Answer: Master of Arts (MA)

Explanation: While Oxford and Cambridge offer earned master's degrees such as the MPhil, MSt, MLitt, and MBA, the Master of Arts (MA) at these institutions is typically a nominal degree conferred based on standing, not an earned postgraduate qualification requiring further study or examination.

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Which of these is a research degree offered at Cambridge and some Scottish universities, often in arts and humanities?

Answer: MLitt

Explanation: The Master of Letters (MLitt) is a research degree offered at Cambridge and certain Scottish universities, frequently within the arts, humanities, divinity, and social sciences.

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What is the primary purpose of the abbreviations like Oxon, Cantab, or Dubl appended to the MA initials for graduates of Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin?

Answer: To clarify they are nominal, unexamined degrees based on standing.

Explanation: The appended abbreviations such as Oxon, Cantab, or Dubl serve to clarify that the Master of Arts degree conferred by Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin is a nominal degree awarded based on academic standing after completing a bachelor's, rather than representing postgraduate academic achievement requiring further examination.

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What is the typical structure of a Master of Arts degree at most UK and Irish universities?

Answer: A taught postgraduate program with lectures, exams, and a dissertation.

Explanation: At most UK and Irish universities, the Master of Arts (MA) is typically structured as a taught postgraduate program, involving lectures, examinations, and a dissertation based on independent research.

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Which of the following is a master's degree at Oxford intended for students from civil law jurisdictions?

Answer: Magister Juris

Explanation: The Magister Juris is a master's degree offered at Oxford specifically for students originating from civil law jurisdictions.

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The Master of Arts degree at Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin is conferred based on:

Answer: A certain number of years after graduating as a Bachelor of Arts.

Explanation: At Oxford, Cambridge, and Dublin, the Master of Arts (MA) title is conferred upon graduates based on their academic standing after a specified number of years following their Bachelor of Arts degree, without requiring further examinations or new research.

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What is the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree at Oxford and Cambridge typically considered?

Answer: A two-year research degree.

Explanation: The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree at Oxford and Cambridge is generally regarded as a research degree, typically requiring two years of study.

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What is the Master of Laws (LLM) degree generally considered in relation to other law master's degrees like MA, MLitt, MSt, or BCL?

Answer: It is the standard taught master's degree, and the others are often equivalent substitutes.

Explanation: The Master of Laws (LLM) is generally considered the standard taught master's degree in law, with other degrees such as MA, MLitt, MSt, or BCL often serving as equivalent or alternative pathways.

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Which of the following is a master's degree at Oxford intended for students from common law backgrounds?

Answer: Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL)

Explanation: The Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Oxford is a master's degree specifically designed for students who come from a common law background.

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How are earned master's degrees typically classified at Oxford and Cambridge?

Answer: Generally offered without classification, though Distinction is rare.

Explanation: Earned master's degrees at Oxford and Cambridge are generally awarded without classification, although the highest distinction may be granted in rare instances.

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Master's Degrees in North America

In Canada and the United States, the MA and MS are the primary graduate degrees, typically structured as either course-based or research-based.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Master of Arts (MA) and Master of Science (MS) degrees serve as the principal graduate qualifications in Canada and the United States, commonly structured as either predominantly course-based or research-based programs.

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A thesis for a North American Master of Arts program must be a distinct contribution to knowledge and demonstrate scholarly research capabilities.

Answer: True

Explanation: A thesis submitted for a North American Master of Arts program is required to represent a distinct contribution to knowledge, showcase scholarly research capabilities, and adhere to current disciplinary standards.

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Harvard University uses the abbreviation AM for some of its master's degrees, derived from the Latin Artium Magister.

Answer: True

Explanation: Harvard University employs the abbreviation AM for certain master's degrees, a practice rooted in the Latin term 'Artium Magister'.

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In North America, a Master of Arts program with a thesis option typically takes less time than a non-thesis option.

Answer: False

Explanation: In North America, a Master of Arts program with a thesis option typically takes longer than a non-thesis option, due to the extensive research and writing required for the thesis.

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The Master of Arts degree is generally awarded without classification in North American universities.

Answer: False

Explanation: In North American universities, Master of Arts degrees are typically awarded with classifications, such as Pass or Fail, or may include distinctions, unlike some other systems where they are awarded without classification.

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How long does a Master of Arts program typically take in North America for a non-thesis option?

Answer: One to two years

Explanation: In North America, a non-thesis Master of Arts program typically requires one to two years of full-time study.

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Which of these universities is mentioned as using the Latin abbreviation 'AM' for some of its master's degrees?

Answer: Harvard University

Explanation: Harvard University is cited as an institution that uses the Latin abbreviation 'AM' for some of its master's degrees, derived from 'Artium Magister'.

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What is the typical duration for a Master of Arts program at Harvard or McGill for highly research-focused students?

Answer: May take longer than a non-thesis option

Explanation: For highly research-focused Master of Arts programs at institutions like Harvard or McGill, qualified students may require approximately three years of full-time candidature, potentially exceeding the duration of standard non-thesis options.

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Master's Degrees in Continental Europe

In Germany, the Magister Artium was traditionally awarded for studies in scientific disciplines, similar to a Master of Science.

Answer: False

Explanation: Traditionally, the German Magister Artium degree was awarded for studies in social sciences and most humanities, not typically for scientific disciplines which were more commonly associated with a Master of Science.

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The Bologna Process has influenced the structure of master's degrees in countries like the Czech Republic and Slovakia, often involving a two-year program after a bachelor's.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Bologna Process has indeed impacted master's degree structures in nations such as the Czech Republic and Slovakia, typically leading to a two-year program subsequent to a bachelor's degree.

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The doctorandus degree in the Netherlands, awarded before 2002, required a shorter study load than a combined bachelor's and master's program.

Answer: False

Explanation: The doctorandus degree awarded in the Netherlands prior to 2002 encompassed the same study load as a combined bachelor's and master's program.

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In the Czech Republic, the title Mgr. is awarded for studies in the arts, while MgA. is for social sciences.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the Czech Republic, the title Mgr. is typically awarded for master's studies in social sciences or humanities, whereas MgA. is specifically designated for studies within the arts.

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The Polish equivalent of a Master of Arts degree is 'magister', and its abbreviation 'mgr' is placed after the person's name.

Answer: False

Explanation: While 'magister' is the Polish equivalent of a Master of Arts degree, its abbreviation 'mgr' is conventionally placed before the person's name, similar to the title Dr.

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The Diplom degree was the primary qualification awarded in West Germany before the introduction of the Bachelor and Master system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Diplom degree was the primary qualification awarded in East Germany, where all degree courses led to this qualification. In West Germany, the Magister Artium was more prevalent before the Bachelor and Master system.

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The title 'drs.' in the Netherlands could be used by graduates who completed the older doctorandus program.

Answer: True

Explanation: Graduates of the older doctorandus program in the Netherlands were indeed permitted to use the title 'drs.' before their name.

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In Germany, new Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees combined are considered equivalent to the old Magister Artium degrees in terms of study duration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The combined duration of new Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Germany is considered equivalent to the traditional Magister Artium, both typically requiring approximately five years of study.

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What does the abbreviation 'mgr.' signify in the context of Polish master's degrees?

Answer: It is placed before the name and denotes the equivalent of a Master of Arts.

Explanation: In Poland, the abbreviation 'mgr.' signifies the title 'magister,' which is the Polish equivalent of a Master of Arts degree. This abbreviation is placed before the person's name.

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Before the MA/MSc system was introduced in 2002, what degree did the Netherlands award that covered the same study load as a combined bachelor's and master's program?

Answer: Doctorandus

Explanation: Prior to the implementation of the MA/MSc system in 2002, the Netherlands awarded the 'doctorandus' degree (or 'ingenieur' for technical fields), which was equivalent in study load to a combined bachelor's and master's program.

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In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, which title is awarded for master's studies in the arts?

Answer: MgA.

Explanation: In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the title MgA. (Magister of Arts) is specifically awarded for master's studies undertaken in the arts.

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Which of the following countries traditionally awarded the 'doctorandus' degree before 2002?

Answer: Netherlands

Explanation: The 'doctorandus' degree was traditionally awarded in the Netherlands before the widespread adoption of the Bachelor and Master system in 2002.

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In the context of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, what does the title 'Ing.' signify?

Answer: Master's degree for natural sciences or mathematics-heavy programs

Explanation: In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the title 'Ing.' signifies a master's degree awarded for studies in natural sciences or programs with a significant mathematics component.

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How do the new German Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees compare to the old Magister Artium in terms of total study duration?

Answer: They are considered equivalent, both typically taking around five years.

Explanation: The combined duration of the new German Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees is considered equivalent to the traditional Magister Artium, with both typically requiring approximately five years of study.

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Which degree was awarded in East Germany, where all courses led to this qualification?

Answer: Diplom

Explanation: In East Germany, the 'Diplom' degree was the standard qualification awarded upon completion of all degree courses.

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