Research Methods for Development

Subject DEVT40005 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 4 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - 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

Standard

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3 hour seminar per week for eight weeks beginning in the first week of semester.
Total Time Commitment: An average of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate diploma or certificate; fourth-year combined honours in development; an MA (Gend & Devt) or a MDevt Stud coursework degree.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained in successfully completing an undergraduate degree
Non Allowed Subjects: Previously available as 121-509 Field Methods for Developments. Students who have completed 121-509 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website : http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Subject Overview:

This subject will focus on research methods as they apply to development work and an understanding of the various stages of research. formulation of research questions and hypotheses and identifying the most appropriate and feasible approaches to data collection and analysis. the communication and reporting of results. identifying ethical concerns. and how to develop skills in reflexivity. Particular attention will be placed on research techniques including participant observation, interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, action and participatory research techniques, case studies, and the use of secondary and other data sources. It will conclude with a discussion of the cross-cultural context, use of local knowledge and how best to represent and reflect the needs of participants .

Objectives:

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.
Assessment: A fieldwork report of 1,500 words 30% (due mid semester). a major essay of 3000 words 60% (due at end of SWOT VAC week). and a presentation of approximately 15 minutes 10%
Prescribed Texts: A reading list will be provided by the subject coordinator
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 should

  • demonstrate relevance of the topic to broader development debates.
  • gain and understanding of field methods appropriate for development.
Links to further information: http://www.pasi.unimelb.edu.au/development/
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)
Master of Environment
Master of Environment
Postgraduate Certificate in Environment
Postgraduate Diploma in Environment
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Development
Development Studies
Development Studies
Development Studies
Education
Gender Studies

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