Department of English and American Studies, FF UP OLOMOUC
M.A. Thesis Evaluation

Student: Jan Horáček
Title: James Kelman: Class, Gender, and Identity in Contemporary Scottish Literature 
Supervisor: Mgr. Ema Jelínková, Ph.D.Mgr. David Livingstone, PhD.
Opponent: Mgr. Pavlína Flajšarová, Ph.D. 

Grade 
A, B, C, D, E, F 
(F = fail)

Notes

1/ Aim/Goal: definition | A | The aim of the thesis is clearly defined and structured
accomplishment | A | The student has managed to accomplished the goals outlined at the outset of the thesis
2/ Argumentation (ability to accurately form initial and closing arguments, logical coherence, ability to generalize as well as present pertinent specific details) | A | The student has a well-structured line of arguments that are easy to follow and the work is therefore very readable
3/ Knowledge of primary literature | A | Beyond any doubt, the knowledge of primary sources is superb
4/ Knowledge of secondary literature (extent, adequacy) | A | The list of secondary sources is impressive and the student is able to work with them efficiently and successfully
5/ Originality (in argumentation, critical approach and conclusions) | A | As there has been so far no scholarly work on James Kelman in the Czech Republic, the thesis is a very good contribution to Czech anglophone scholarship
6/ Formal level (adhering to citation and bibliographic standards) | A | There no grammar or stylistic mistakes, the thesis adhers to chosen style of bibliographic documentation
7/  Stylistic level of the thesis | A | Excellent
8/ Stylistic level of the summary | A | Excellent
9/ Typography, graphic appearance, freedom from errors | B | I would have preferred a bigger font size which is typical for printed diploma thesis
10 / Thesis’s contribution to the field | A | Original, I recommend the thesis to be considered for the Palacky University Rector´s Prize for Student Thesis and I also recomment to consider the thesis for publication (after minor adjustments)
Comments and Questions for the defence:
1)	In what sense is Kelman´s work a mainstream issue? Or, is it rather a case of provocative fiction that has an anti-establishment appeal?
2)	What is the affinity of Kelman to Kafka in particular?
3)	Is there any literary contemporary in Scotland that would focus on city fiction?
4)	What exactly is meant by cultural marginalization?

In closing: 
The thesis is ~~- is not –~~ wholeheartily recommended for verbal defence.

Suggested classification (A, B, C, D, E, F): A with distinction

Olomouc, 29 May 2012						Mgr. Pavlína Flajšarová, Ph.D.
								Opponent