Major Thesis - Development Studies

Subject DEVT90004 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points:
Level: Research Higher Degree
Dates & Locations: This is a time-based subject, taught on campus at Parkville.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular meetings with supervisor over the period of enrolment
Total Time Commitment: 40 hours each week
Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Arts program in Development Studies (102DS).
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: Knowledge gained in successful completion of an undergraduate degree with significant exposure to development studies or with subsequent development experience.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
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/

Coordinator

Dr Nadeem Malik

Contact

Dr Nadeem Malik

malikn@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

The Development Studies Major thesis is designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research in an area of Development. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research. Students who complete this subject will produce a 30,000 word thesis on a research project dealing with an area of Development. demonstrate an ability to present, argue and demonstrate a coherent hypothesis on an issue in Development Studies, supported by research and analysis. and demonstrate an aptitude for original research at a higher degree level in the future.
Objectives:

Students who successfully complete this subject will:

  • be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge in an area of study relating to development.
  • engage in the broader theoretical debates as they relate to development.
  • produce a substantial piece of written work.
  • make an original scholastic contribution.
  • develop advanced research skills.
Assessment: one 30,000 word thesis
Prescribed Texts: Appropriate texts will be determined in consultation with Thesis supervisor
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 think critically (for example, about development and its measures).
  • obtain information to evaluate propositions (about the principles of development).
  • write a coherent and empirically substantiated research paper.
  • defend that paper.
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Related Course(s): Master of Arts in Development Studies(Thesis only)

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