Minor Thesis - Development Studies

Subject DEVT90011 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Regular contact with supervisor over the period of enrolment
Total Time Commitment:

An average of 10 hours each week.

Note: Enrolment in this thesis subject must be over two consecutive semesters
Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 50 points of subjects as listed in the 097AB or 097GD 200 or 150 point programs with an average grade of 75% or above. Students must also have completed DEVT90041 Research Methods in Development.

Course coordinator approval is required for entry to Minor Thesis. Submission of an application form which includes a thesis abstract, well structured research proposal, and an Ethics Checklist is also required.

Corequisites: Unless already completed students emrolling in the Minor Thesis must also enrol in DEVT40004 Directed Study in Development.
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2011
12.50
Recommended Background Knowledge: Student enrolling in this subject must be enrolled in the one of the Master of Development Studies Coursework Degrees - 097AB or 097GD
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 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:

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:

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 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.
Links to further information: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/ads/
Notes: Students are strongly advised to consult the course coordinator for course and subject planning at an early stage of the course if they intend to undertake the minor thesis project.
Related Course(s): Master of Development Studies (Gender & Development)
Master of Development Studies(CWT)

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