Module overview
This module deals with the practical challenges of research in area studies. Indicative content includes: the challenges of applying multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches; comparative methods; language and discourse analysis; the question of sources in area studies; collecting original data; preparing for and undertaking area studies fieldwork.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Make informed choices about methods and sources in area studies
- Prepare yourself appropriately for undertaking fieldwork in area studies.
- Recognise the value of multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches in area studies research
Syllabus
Research methods and techniques for Area Studies:
- The challenges of applying multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches in practice.
- Comparative methods – comparative vs transnational perspectives. Functional, rationalist and interpretive approaches: the importance of contextual knowledge [context-rich approach] and cultural competence, in order to avoid focusing solely on outputs without understanding the complexity underpinning decision-making processes.
- Language and issues in multi-/inter-disciplinary and transnational research, and how to overcome them.
- Discourse analysis: choosing texts; recognising context and evaluating significance; close textual analysis.
Data Sources for Area Studies:
The question of sources in area studies. Which sources? Collecting original data. Oral history. Archives and their uses. Surveys.
Fieldwork:
Preparing for and undertaking area studies fieldwork – security in fieldwork, importance of cultural competence, undertaking interviews, using translators and interpreters in fieldwork, language training, archival work overseas, field research in anthropology.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Independent study
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 22 |
| Tutorial | 6 |
| Completion of assessment task | 20 |
| Wider reading or practice | 36 |
| Lecture | 16 |
| Total study time | 100 |
Resources & Reading list
Journal Articles
Pedersen, Thomas (2009). Strategies for theoretical innovation: The importance of area-studies and interdisciplinary thinking.. Proceedings of the Institute for European Studies at International University Audentes, 5(5), pp. 14-32.
Engerman, David C. (2015). The Pedagogical Purposes of Interdisciplinary Social Science: A View from Area Studies in the United States. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences, 51(1), pp. 78-92.
Warleigh-Lack, Alex; Cini, Michelle (2009). Interdisciplinarity and the study of politics. European Political Science, 8(1), pp. 4-15.
Andersen, Hanne (2016). Collaboration, interdisciplinarity, and the epistemology of contemporary science. Studies in History and Philosophy of Science, 56, pp. 1-10.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External