Module POLM085 for 2017/8
- Overview
- Aims and Learning Outcomes
- Module Content
- Indicative Reading List
- Assessment
Postgraduate Module Descriptor
POLM085: Work Placement in Conflict, Security and Development
This module descriptor refers to the 2017/8 academic year.
Module Aims
By the end of this module you will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the strategies and tactics of conflict, security and development work on a global scale, from local projects to global frameworks. Furthermore, you will analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of individual projects and programmes, whole organisations, overarching legal and policy frameworks and international interventions in the areas of conflict, security and development. You will demonstrate knowledge of academic and practical research methodologies including: i) formal measurements of conflict, security and development on a cross-national basis; ii) professional monitoring & evaluation techniques; iii) conflict assessment and analysis methodologies; iv) ethnographies of organizations; and v) process tracing of broader trends and practices. You will demonstrate this knowledge in the form of a project design essay and a project report document which they will develop with respect to their work placement organisation or chosen topic of research.
| On successfully completing the programme you will be able to: | |
|---|---|
| Module-Specific Skills | 1. Demonstrate substantive knowledge and understanding of the institutional and political context of at least two types of organizations working in conflict, security and development in the UK or overseas; 2. Describe, analyse and deploy two or more research methodologies in the area of conflict, security and development; |
| Discipline-Specific Skills | 3. Exercise informed judgement concerning the practical constraints of organizations working in Conflict Security and Development 4. Demonstrate the ability to understand the effect of the organizations institutional and political contexts on its policies and programmes 5. Exhibit an understanding of the relationship between knowledge and practice 6. Analyse and evaluate the nature and effectiveness of organizations in terms of theoretical frameworks deployed in the study of conflict, security and/or development and the analysis of global governance; |
| Personal and Key Skills | 7. Conduct independent research; 8. Exercise critical judgment in the form of cogent and persuasive writing 9. Make rigorous and not merely persuasive arguments in the form of a well-designed presentation; 10. Develop a personal profile and curriculum vitae for work in conflict, security and development; and 11. Perform in a work environment in a manner in keeping with the expectations of the host organisation |
How this Module is Assessed
In the tables below, you will see reference to 'ILO's. An ILO is an Intended Learning Outcome - see Aims and Learning Outcomes for details of the ILOs for this module.
Formative Assessment
A formative assessment is designed to give you feedback on your understanding of the module content but it will not count towards your mark for the module.
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| One work placement application | One-page covering letter, completed application form and two-page CV | 1, 3, 10 | Oral feedback in office hours |
| One work placement review | Two-page self-assessment form | 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 | Oral feedback in office hours |
Summative Assessment
A summative assessment counts towards your mark for the module. The table below tells you what percentage of your mark will come from which type of assessment.
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 0 | 15 |
...and this table provides further details on the summative assessments for this module.
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project design essay | 20 | 1,500 words | 1-5, 7, 8 | Written/oral |
| Project report document | 50 | 4,000 words | 1-7, 11 | Written/oral |
| Project report presentation (individual) | 15 | 10 Minutes + 300-word handout | 1-7, 9-11 | Written/oral |
| Book review | 15 | 1,000 words | 3-6, 8 | Written/ oral |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
Re-assessment
Re-assessment takes place when the summative assessment has not been completed by the original deadline, and the student has been allowed to refer or defer it to a later date (this only happens following certain criteria and is always subject to exam board approval). For obvious reasons, re-assessments cannot be the same as the original assessment and so these alternatives are set. In cases where the form of assessment is the same, the content will nevertheless be different.
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project design essay | Project design essay (1,500 words) | 1-5, 7, 8 | August/September re-assessment period |
| Project report document | Project report document (4,000 words) | 1-7, 11 | August/September re-assessment |
| Project report presentation | Project report presentation (10 Minutes + 300-word handout) | 1-7, 9-11 | By arrangement with convenor |
| Book review | Book review (1,000 words) | 3-6, 8 | August/ September re-assessment period. |
Re-assessment notes
Rearranged presentations will take place in lecturer’s office at a mutually agreeable time in term 3.
