979333 International Studies Research Seminar

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Handbook description

The objective of this subject is to train students experientially in the methodologies, skills and theoretical perspectives required for research in international studies. Students work with an academic in the major of their choice, developing and following a learning contract which focuses on the critical, analytical and methodological skills required to complete the planning and proposal stages for a short piece of original research within an international context. Additionally, students participate in a series of workshops designed to involve them experientially in aspects of international research, including consideration of the following: literature reviews, approaches to theory, fieldwork methodology, library and archive skills, ethics, online research, bibliographical and referencing skills and the development and presentation of a research dissertation. Students must present a research proposal.

Subject objectives/outcomes

Broad:
International Studies is an articulation of language, culture and comparative studies in an international context. It crosses national and discipline boundaries and allows people to think outside the squares of the nation-state and ethno-nationalism. Students focus on the critical, analytical and methodological skills required to complete original humanities and social science research within an international context. To this end, a range of qualitative and quantitative, cultural studies and social sciences research methodologies are presented. Research methodologies and issues will focus on current aspects of research that are being undertaken within International Studies, in particular reflecting on the role of experience and the senses while conducted research in a different culture. In addition, contemporary international news and issues are discussed via an in-house, interactive blog.

Specific:
Students who complete ‘International Studies Research Seminar’ successfully will be able to: Articulate language, culture and comparative studies in an international context. Use a range of sources and qualitative and quantitative, humanities and social sciences data gathering methods

Research, evaluate and communicate findings and knowledge about international studies in both written and oral English. Use critical, analytical and methodological skills required to complete original humanities and social science research within an international context.

Demonstrate the capacity to adopt and follow academic good practice including proper referencing procedures. Demonstrate preparedness for lifelong learning about societies and cultures other than one’s own.

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

Intellectual

1. Capacity for analysing and evaluating processes of social and cultural change in an international setting
2. A capacity to critically reflect on the role and responsibility of a researcher Problem solving skills
3. Capacity to contribute to Australia’s international knowledge base To independently design, manage, and present a qualitative research project.

Professional

1. Knowledge of contemporary issues and trends relating to processes of internationalisation and capacity to draw on this knowledge while living, studying and working in international settings
2. Ethical behaviour and practice

Personal

1. Sensitivity to intercultural difference, a respect for other cultures and a commitment to international citizenship
2. Openness to studying and living in another country, and engagement with people from other social and cultural backgrounds
3. Preparedness for lifelong learning about international societies and cultures

Teaching and learning strategies

One 2-hour seminar every week, face-to-face on campus. Face-to-face classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies, including short presentations and discussion of readings. There are required readings for each week.
Online learning: blog and discussion

As a student in this subject you are expected to attend lectures, do the required readings and preparation, actively participate in all tutorials, and complete your assignments by their due dates. This subject is 8 credit points. This means that throughout the semester you should be spending an average of 12-14 hours per week on the subject ‘International Studies Research Seminar’, including the class time, reading time, and time for preparing assignments.

Learning activities
Students are expected to read each week’s material in advance. You are expected to work on a research Proposal testing out two methodologies throughout the semester. During the semester you will also write a short, critical essay and participate in an in-house blog (accessible only to students enrolled in the subject. Classroom discussion is also essential.

Assessment

Assessment item 1: Short critical essay

Assessment item 2: Blog

Assessment item 3: Research Proposal (hypothetical)

Required text(s)

All required readings are available through the web, UTS library or are on UTSonline. Accessing readings available in this variety of formats is in itself an integral part of your learning. It is about learning to be an effective researcher and to navigate library catalogues, journal databases and other online resources. In real life research there are no readers: this activity will prepare you to library research for your final assignment and for your future dissertation.

Recommended text(s)

Seminars are supported by other readings available through UTS library or online.