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Course Outline

DEV704 International Development Project B

Course Coordinator:Harriot Beazley (hbeazley@usc.edu.au) School:School of Law and Society

2024Session 8

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

This course further develops DEV703 International Development Project A and allows you to undertake substantial project or field-based work overseas or within Australia. You will build on your knowledge and skills learnt in the program and apply these in the field you have chosen to specialise in. The course provides you with the opportunity to work more closely with a staff member who has the expertise to supervise your chosen topic and you may be able to work in a developing country context in conjunction with a professional research team, agency or community group.

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Independent Study/Research – Regular meetings with a supervisor, and potentially other industry practitioners depending on the work situation, to be determined between the supervisor and the student 3hrs Week 1 8 times

Course Topics

  • Personal reflection of internship/ research project: Challenges and opportunites (in weekly diaries) 
  • Internship activities – required by Host Organisation
  • Internship / research activities- required by Supervisor
  • Critical reflection of of Host Organsiation and personal practice, in light of Development literature 

 

What level is this course?

700 Level (Specialised)

Demonstrating a specialised body of knowledge and set of skills for professional practice or further learning. Advanced application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts.

What is the unit value of this course?

24 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Demonstrate mastery of international development theory and practice and how these are employed and applied within a specific cultural context and situation. Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Develop advanced awareness of how to conduct oneself as an appropriate professional and field development practitioner and how to work with partner organisations and local communities, whilst executing the required project. Ethical
Engaged
3 Synthesise complex information about a real world international development situation, and show deep reflection on the implications for environmental and economic factors affecting development. Creative and critical thinker
Sustainability-focussed

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

SCS725 and enrolled in Program AR700

Co-requisites

DEV703

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

It is assumed that you have an understanding of designing a research project and research methods, through the pre-requisite SCS725, and that you will have the basic understanding of international development concepts.

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Timely and detailed feedback is provided for each assessment. Feedback is provided both within text and general comments to build scholarly skills. Students are able to seek feedback through face-to-face discussion with the course coordinator. Tutorials will include extended discussion and review of the assessment task requirements and scope.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Report Individual 20% 
2000 words
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All 2 Report Individual 40% 
3000 words
 Refer to Format To Supervisor
All 3 Journal Individual 40% 
2000 words in total
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) To Supervisor
All 4 Code of Conduct Individual 0% 
n/a
 Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) To be Negotiated
All - Assessment Task 1:Project report - early draft
Goal: 
This task is designed to give you early feedback on your project. As such you will need to produce an early draft of a report.
Product: Report
Format: 
In week 5 (for a a Semester based course) or Week 3 (for a Session based course) you will submit a draft project report that provides the background to your project, detailed methodologies, preliminary findings, and an assessment of your preliminary progress against timelines, with implications for the subsequent weeks. The report format will be discussed with your supervisor. You will receive written feedback about your work that will help you with your final draft, and you will be required to consult with your supervisor about this feedback.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Evidence of knowledge on the chosen topic.
 1 2 3
2 
Evidence of effective ability to apply knowledge and appropriate skills and methods to complete project.
 1 2 3
3 
Quality of work and thinking.
 1 2 3
All - Assessment Task 2:Project report - final version
Goal: 
You will finalise the project findings and present this in an appropriate report format.
Product: Report
Format: 
In  Week 8 (Session based) Week 13 (Semester based)  you will submit the final project report. This assessment will require expanding and improving the early draft submitted in week 5 (semester based courses or week 3 for session based course). You will include any changes you have made based on the feedback from your supervisor; and the additional ideas you have developed and written about after consultation with your supervisor about your draft research essay or report.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Degree of knowledge and thinking throughout the assessment.
 1 2 3
2 
Quality of critical thinking.
 1 2 3
3 
The degree to which the topic chosen advances current knowledge of contemporary international development concepts.
 1 2 3
4 
Well-expressed, well-structured assessment tasks presented in written form.
 1 2 3
5 
Correct referencing and reference list.
 3
All - Assessment Task 3:Journal entries
Goal: 
You will reflect weekly on your field/ research experience and describe what you have learnt.
Product: Journal
Format: 
You are required to write a reflective journal on your experience during your internship or research project. Your journal should include brief reflective commentaries on how you addressed issues encountered during the placement. This could include comments from your academic or your industry placement supervisor. You don't need to reference this journal, it is simply a response in your own words, detailing the reflections that you have made.  You will need to submit a short journal entry (via email) once a week during your placement or research project to your academic supervisor.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Coherent and logical basis for making the changes suggested.
 1 2 3
2 
Ability to reflect on changes and improvements to thinking and practice.
 2
3 
Quality of expression, spelling and grammar, and overall presentation.
 3
All - Assessment Task 4:Code of Conduct
Goal: 
This task enables you to become familiar with the code of conduct for your discipline and work within its guidelines during a work integrated learning (WIL) experience
Product: Code of Conduct
Format: 
During your WIL experience you are required to complete the required hours of work experience.To be eligible to pass, you are required to complete the internship satisfactorily according to the criteria below. See Canvas for your discipline specific Code of Conduct.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Behaviour that is in accordance with the discipline code of conduct.
 1 2 3
2 
Adherence to the discipline code of conduct.
 2
3 
Completion of the required hours.
 2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

There are no required/recommended resources for this course.

Specific requirements

Nil

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all field activities and low to moderate levels of health and safety risk exists. Moderate risks may include working in an Australian bush setting, working with people, working outside normal office hours for example. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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