Research in Development

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Total of 170 hours

200 point program:

Admission to 097AB Master of Development Studies and Completion of 100 points

150 point program:

Admission to 097AB or Master of Development Studies and Completion of 50 points

Undergraduate background in development studies, or cognate discipline.

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, Objectives, 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 the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

The subject is concerned with the practice of research in development. In particular, it is designed to embed and operationalize the research skills developed in DEVT90041 Research Methods for Development. Students will learn the place research plays in international development along with acquiring the skills of generating research questions, structuring research papers and identifying appropriate and feasible approaches to data collection through: (a) critical deconstruction of case-study development research projects, and (b) formulation of development research projects.

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

• be capable of managing research projects in the field, in a manner that is sensitive to local circumstances and needs;
• acquire skills in cross-cultural analysis;
• understand the role research plays in development;
• critically appraise and develop research in development;
• formulate development research projects;
• apply research skills to development research projects.

The three research assignments will, when brought together, comprise a research paper:

• The first assignment will develop a 500 word research question, and position the subsequent research within the literature (10%)
• The second a 1,500 word paper on the world view of the researcher (30%)
• The final assignment, a 3000 word research paper, will build on the research question developed in the first assignment (60%)

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Readings to be advised at by the subject coordinator.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.