Minor Thesis - Development Studies

This subject is not offered in 2013.

An average of 10 hours each week.

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/DEVT40005 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.

Enrolment in the Master of Development Studies.

Unless already completed, students enrolling in the Minor Thesis must also enrol in DEVT40004 Directed Study in Development.

None

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/

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.

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.

A thesis of 15,000 words, due at the end of the second semester of enrolment.

The following Hurdle Requirements must be met in order for students to be eligible to submit the final Thesis:

1. Supervision: Regular supervisory meetings

2. Topic Proposal Form: To be submitted by the first week of the Semester of thesis enrolment

3. Progress Report: To be submitted half way through the thesis year

4. Thesis Draft: A full draft of the thesis is to be submitted approximately 5 weeks prior to the final thesis submission date.

Final Theses submitted after the due date and up to 10 working days late without an approved extension will be marked on a pass/fail basis only. Assessment that is submitted later than 10 working days will not accepted or marked.

Appropriate texts will be determined in consultation with Thesis supervisor

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• 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.

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.

Enrolment in this thesis subject must be over two consecutive semesters.