Syllabus, valid from 2018-09-03
Syllabus, valid from 2018-09-03
Title
Communication for Development: Degree Project
Swedish title
Communication for Development: Degree Project
Course code
KK624D
Credits
15 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2018-02-22
Syllabus valid from
2018-09-03
Level
Advanced level
Entry requirements
The completion of a minimum of 45 credits with a progression in Communication for Development as a main field of study.
Main field
Communication for Development
Progression level
A1E
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course is part of the main field of study Communication for Developments and meets the degree requirements for the degree of Master in this subject.
Course contents
The degree project is the final course of the Master of Arts with a major in Communication for Development, and this course offers an opportunity to investigate a specific area of Communication for Development. The project should address one or more of the central themes of Communication for Development, including Media, Globalization and Development; Communication, Culture and Media Analysis; ICT, New Media and Development. The program addresses world development and potential field work does not necessarily have to be carried out in what is traditionally labelled a 'developing country'.
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:
- knowledge about research within the broader academic and practical field of Communication for Development,
- in-depth insights into current and relevant research in the particular field of study, and
- in-depth knowledge of a variety of methods of relevance for the field Communication for Development.
SKILLS AND CAPACITIES
After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:
- ability to independently identify and formulate research questions, to plan and with the help of adequate methods carry out a theoretically informed investigation of empirical material within given time frames,
- the ability to combine complex and advanced theoretical and methodological knowledge gained during their studies of the program,
- the ability to plan, execute and carry out field works or other empirical investigation within the field of Communication of Development,
- ability to both scientifically analyze and practically implement data and experience that has been collected by the student himself/herself,
- ability to use advanced critical source analysis when collecting data,
- ability to clearly present, both orally and in written form, and discuss their conclusions,
- the ability to relate their own research to the broader academic and practical fields of Communication for Development,
- the ability to complement the written thesis with other forms of communication, such as visual expressions, moving images, sound collages or photographs.
CRITICAL SKILLS AND APPROACH
After completing the course, the student shall demonstrate:
- the ability to plan, carry out and write up an empirically grounded substantial academic document
- the capacity to critically reflect upon their own role and position as researchers, such as power issues, ethical aspects as well as limitations and strengths of the outcome result,awareness of risks and harms of different research methods and designs in Communication for Development research
Learning activities
Individual and group supervision, lectures, feedback seminars, student exercises and presentations, field work/empirical studies, literature studies.
Assessment
The student is assessed on the basis of an academic thesis in the form of an analysis of a well-defined and focused theme within Communication for Development. The analysis must be based on a clear theoretical and methodological framework and on empirical data analysis, for example by utilizing field work data produced for the course or/and earlier during the MA course work.
The following criteria will be of special importance when grading the assignment:
- the ability to make a well-written and coherent academic thesis, with theoretical as well as analytical depth and reflections,
- the ability to place the empirical findings and conclusions within the academic and practical field of Communication for Development,
- insights to critically reflect upon their own role and position as researchers, to incorporate review critique from student peers and staff/examiners during process seminars (the student is only assessed on the final written work), and
- the capacity to conduct independent and original work.
Course literature and other study material
Literature for the degree project is chosen in consultation with coordinating staff and the individual supervisor.
General recommendations:
Crawford, G., Kruckenberg, L., Loubere, N. & Morgan, R. (eds.) (2017): Understanding Global Development Research. Fieldwork Issues, Experiences and Reflections. London: Sage.
Rudestam, K. and Newton, R. (eds.) (2007) Surviving Your Dissertation. 3rd edition. London: Sage.
Scheyvens, R. (2014) Development Fieldwork. A Practical Guide. 2nd edition. London: Sage.
Course evaluation
An anonymous electronic course evaluation is made at the end of the course. The electronic evaluation is accessible for all students.
Additional information
Access to computer with Internet connection (broadband) is required.