2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SOEE5496M Environment-Development International Field Course

15 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Susannah Sallu
Email: s.sallu@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

Students wanting to enrol on this module must read the conditions and follow the applications procedure stated below. Please note the APPLICATION DEADLINE of 17.00 on October 10th.

The fieldtrip typically takes place in the first two weeks of the Easter vacation.

This module is mutually exclusive with

SOEE5498M

Sustainability and Local Enterprise: Patagonia Field Course

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module provides a structured opportunity for students to develop fieldwork and research skills and gain first-hand experience of environment-development issues in the developing world context of Tanzania. This module also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on, develop, and apply theoretical knowledge learnt in earlier classroom-based modules (eg SOEE5281M, SOEE5010M, SOEE5483M and PIED5256M). Students from programmes other than the MSc Environment and Development programme MUST be studying a similar combination of modules or have equivalent prior knowledge and/or experience. The module directly draws on staff-related research as well as local practitioner expertise and grassroots perspectives. The knowledge and skills developed will be of particular relevance to future environment-development professionals.

Objectives

The objectives of this module are:

1) To provide students with a structured opportunity to develop knowledge and experience of environment-development issues related to sustainability in a developing country setting.
2) To provide students with an opportunity to translate and apply theory learnt in the classroom into practice on the ground.
3) To provide students an opportunity to conduct closely supervised fieldwork in a developing country setting.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to demonstrate:

1) In-depth knowledge and understanding of environment-development challenges in a developing country setting.
2) Both generic and more development-related fieldwork skills.
3) An ability to apply and develop theory within research.
4) Skills in group work, report writing, reflective writing and oral presentation.

Skills outcomes
- Research skills for environment-development studies
- Fieldwork planning, logistics, health & safety
- Group work
- Oral presentation
- Report writing
- Reflective writing (field diary).

Syllabus

Preparing for fieldwork (in Leeds)

1) Introduction to Environment-Development issues in Tanzania.
2) Introduction to the Environment & Development context of the East Usambara mountains.
3) Fieldwork logistics, health & safety
4) Research methods, planning & skills training.

Fieldcourse & fieldwork (in Tanzania)

1) Lectures & guided site visits with input from local experts* in the following fields:
- Biodiversity conservation & natural resource management
- Rural livelihoods
- Health & Education
- Tourism.

2) Fieldwork

Experts involved are likely to include:
- Nature Reserve Conservator
- Tourism Officer
- Biodiversity Officer - Agricultural & Livestock Extension Officer- Tour Guide Leader - Tanzania Forest Conservation Group Butterfly Project Coordinator- WWF Project Coordinator- East Usambara Tea Company representative
- Development NGO representatives
- Researcher from National Institute of Medical Research- LocalClinic Nurse/Doctor
- Head teacher, Primary School
- Community Development Officer- Community members.

Due to a high demand and limited number of places, this module is available by application only. You cannot register for this module via on-line registration. Application forms can be requested via email from see-pgt-support@leeds.ac.uk and MUST be submitted by 17.00 to see-pgt-support@leeds.ac.uk on October 10th.

The module will be offered subject to sufficient student interest and payment of £1500 additional module fee. The fee is payable either as part of your degree programme fees if on the MSc Environment and Development (with integrated international fieldwork) or in three instalments (a deposit followed by two other equal instalments in October and January). Student numbers are capped on this module. Students from a range of Masters Programmes are encouraged to apply, however priority will be given to students on the MSc Environment and Development (with integrated international fieldwork) programme in the first instance.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	3.00	3.00
Workshop	4	1.00	4.00
Presentation	1	4.00	4.00
Fieldwork	2	8.00	16.00
Fieldwork	5	3.00	15.00
Group learning	5	0.50	2.50
Group learning	10	2.00	20.00
Lecture	6	1.00	6.00
Seminar	3	2.00	6.00
Private study hours			73.50
Total Contact hours			76.50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- Pre-trip research of literature and project documents about field study site.
- Daily field diary entries.
- Post-trip data analysis, reading, research and report writing.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored:
1) during the planning process in the tutorial (levels of participation and understanding will be observed through observation)
2) during fieldwork supervision (participation, progress and understanding assessed through observation)
3) formally through assessment of oral presentation
4) formally when field diary assessed
5) formally when report assessed.

Feedback will be provided at each of these stages.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Project	4,000 words	85.00
Presentation	Verbal presentation	15.00
Essay	2-3 page concept note (Pass to progress)	0.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The Concept note is Pass to Progress. Re-sits for this module will take the form of a 3000 word written assignment.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 22/01/2018

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