The Practice of Fieldwork - POL00016M
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 1 2023-24 |
Module aims
This module addresses the political, ethical, logistical and methodological challenges of conducting fieldwork related to human rights, peacebuilding, and development in challenging contexts. Students will gain the awareness and skills to conduct fieldwork in a safe and ethical manner, both individually and in groups. The module will also examine different methodological approaches to research, both qualitative (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (surveys), and how to write up research for different audiences. Specific attention will be paid to ethical practices in engagement with vulnerable individuals and communities.
Module learning outcomes
Subject content
At the end of the module, students should:
- Be able to show a critical understanding of the political, ethical, logistical and methodological challenges of conducting research in complex contexts
- Be able to design appropriate research related to human rights, peacebuilding, and development
- Be able to explain the particular importance of ethical practices when engaging with vulnerable individuals communities
Academic and graduate skills
At the end of the module, students should:
- Be able to use a number of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies ethically
- Be able to engage in reflective practice and exercise reflexivity
- Be able to think critically about complex subjects
- Be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms
- Be able to present complex concepts and topics confidently
- Be able to engage in effective secondary research
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written timely feedback on their formative assessment. They will also have the opportunity to discuss their feedback during the module tutor’s feedback and guidance hours.
Indicative reading
Barakat et al., 'The composite approach: research design in the context of war and armed conflict', Third World Quarterly, Vol. 23, No. 5, 2002
Cooper et al., Challenging the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide (London, Bloomsbury, 2012)
Vanderstaay, S., 'One Hundred Dollars and a Dead Man - Ethical Decision Making in Ethnographic Fieldwork', Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, Vol. 34, No. 4, 2005