Minor Thesis - Development Studies

Subject 121-547 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 50.00
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular supervision across two concurrent semesters.
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Students undertaking the 150 or 200 point Masters program must have completed at least 50 points of subjects at the University of Melbourne and received an average of at least 75% for those subjects. Students must have completed or be concurrently enrolled in 121-503 Research Methods & Design, 121-509 Field Methods for Development and 121-545 Understanding Development. All students must seek the permission of the course co-ordinator before enrolling in this subject.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

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, Learning Outcomes, 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 Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Salim Lakha

Contact

Dr Salim Lakha

salim@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview: Students enrolled in this subject will undertake a piece of research in Development Studies approved by the course coordinator. The research will incorporate an analysis of development theory and practice. On completion of the subject, students will submit a minor thesis on their chosen research topic. Students are expected to attend the development studies seminar series held each semester as part of their enrolment in this subject.
Objectives: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • have an awareness of the philosophy and scope of development;
  • have acquired research skills and an understanding of methods used to analyse development issues and processes;
  • have undertaken research in a specialised area of their choice and submitted a thesis;
  • have written a coherent and empirically substantiated research paper;
  • defended that paper.
Assessment: A thesis proposal and a minor thesis of 15,000 words 100%.
Prescribed Texts:
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who successfully complete this subject will
  • be able to obtain information to evaluate empirical and theoretical propositions;
  • develop research skills including the logic of research design, research methods and writing;
  • pursue an intensive investigation of a selected topic in development studies.
  • think critically about development methods, concepts, and theories;
  • engage in independent research work;
  • write coherent research proposals.
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies(CWT)

Download PDF version.