ENVS2014 Qualitative Research Methods for Sustainability

Later Year Course

Offered By	School of Resources Environment & Society
Academic Career	Undergraduate
Course Subject	Environmental Science
Offered in	Second Semester, 2009 and Second Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course introduces the major qualitative research methods as they are applied across the social sciences, especially human geography. Methods covered include interviewing, oral histories, participant observation, textual analysis, focus groups and questionnaires. In this course students will develop an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities in research on sustainability issues. The course introduces some of the ethical and cross-cultural concerns researchers encounter.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. identify and critically evaluate qualitative research methods from literature 2. demonstrate an understanding of the methodological challenges posed by qualitative research in the context of sustainability 3. demonstrate an ability to apply conceptual and practical tools to the development of qualitative research projects in the context of sustainability 4. understand and demonstrate the application of reflexive principles to their learning
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: Keeping and submitting a week-by-week learning journal, assessed twice in the semester (25%; LO 4) Participating in a class tutorial or self-directed field trip where students apply a qualitative research method of their choice (10%; LO 3) Designing and writing a qualitative research project proposal on a sustainability-related subject of their choice, 2000 words (35%; LO 2, 3) 2 hour Exam - Critical assessment of a qualitative research project report (30%; LO 1, 2)
Workload	65 contact hours over the semester
Areas of Interest	Resource Management and Environmental Science
Requisite Statement	24 units towards a degree, including SRES1001 or ASIA1030, or the written approval of the course coordinator
Incompatibility	with SOCY2043 or SRES2014
Recommended Courses	ENVS1003
Preliminary Reading	Hay, I. 2005, Qualitative Research Methods in Human Geography (2^nd ed.), Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.
Majors/Specialisations	Environmental Studies, Geography, Human Ecology, and Human Sciences
Science Group	B
Academic Contact	Dr Lorrae van Kerkhoff

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