Research in Development

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2014:

Total of 120 hours

200 point program:

Admission to 097AB or 097GD Master of Development Studies and Completion of 100 points

150 point program:

Admission to 097AB or 097GD Master of Development Studies and Completion of 50 points

Undergraduate background in development studies, or cognate discipline.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The subject is concerned with the practice of research in development. In particular, it is designed to embed and operationalize the research skills developed in DEVT90041 Research Methods for Development. Students will learn to develop the skills of generating research questions and hypotheses and identifying appropriate and feasible approaches to data collection through: (a) critical deconstruction of case-study development research projects, and (b) formulation of development research projects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• Be capable of managing development projects in the field, in a manner that is sensitive to local circumstances and needs;
• Acquire skills in cross-cultural analysis;
• Learn the art of writing field notes;
• Understand, critically appraise and develop research in development;
• Formulate development research projects;
• Apply research skills to development research projects.

A joint summary (each participant will contribute 500 words) of a seminar presentation summarizing and critiquing the assigned reading assignment for specified weeks (10%) due throughout the semester, a fieldwork report of 2,000 words (40%) due towards the end of semester, and a research proposal of 2,500 words (50%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: This subject has a minimum Hurdle Requirement of 80% seminar attendance. Regular participation in seminars is required.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Key texts:

Texts to be advised at the start of semester.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.