ATS3990 · Comparative field research methods

Overview

In this unit, you will examine field methods which can be used for comparative analysis. These include archival research and ethnographic and intercultural methods. Through planning and implementing field research projects, students will consider the process of fieldwork from research questions to publication of results, as well as the ethical factors involved in fieldwork. In this unit, you will undertake group projects to introduce you to the collaborative aspects of fieldwork, which will also help you to develop a comparative approach towards many different aspects of learning and life.

Areas of study: Comparative Asian and European studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. critically assess the scope of field methods and how they can be applied to comparative research questions;
2. apply theoretical principles such as decolonisation to analyse field methods critically;
3. choose, justify and implement appropriate methods, including archival research and ethnographic methods, to develop and deliver a comparative research project;
4. identify and evaluate the ethical issues relevant to fieldwork, and design ethical field projects;
5. work collaboratively with others to implement field methods;
6. incorporate the findings of fieldwork into academic writing using terms and concepts learnt in the unit and applying them appropriately to your case studies.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.