Fieldwork in Complex and Hostile Places (DEVT90042)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 25Not available in 2021
Please refer to the return to campus page for more information on these delivery modes and students who can enrol in each mode based on their location.
About this subject
Overview
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Fieldwork is demanding and poses unique risks to the security and safety of the researcher and research participants. Fieldwork also relies on the researcher’s ability to clearly understand their research design and methods and access, collect and manage data in the field. This eight-day intensive subject prepares students for undertaking detailed fieldwork for extended periods overseas in less secure and/or complex environments. Students will develop a working knowledge of what is required to develop an integrated Research Plan, Ethics Application and Fieldwork Risk Management Plan as required for postgraduate research theses.
The subject consists of four days of classroom-based lectures and four days in a scenario/simulation learning environment. Designed to deliver theoretical and practical skills, the subject is taught by a combination of academics and professional security consultants. It covers applied research philosophy, methodologies, field skills and techniques to prepare students for undertaking detailed fieldwork research with vulnerable research participants and/or for extended periods in less secure, complex and/or hostile environments.
The subject builds upon the introductory level of knowledge students learned in undergraduate and honours level research methods subjects, and focuses on applied research methods.
Learning applied research methods and field-craft skills will enhance student’s ability to make original contributions to knowledge. The subject equips students with a working appreciation for the major methodological, ethical and logistical challenges they are likely to confront during fieldwork. The subject is structured to be of relevance to students in social science and humanities based disciplines, and to provide skills relevant for careers in International Development, NGOs and Government agencies.
The following elements are covered in the practical training:
- Security Context
- Field Preparedness and Evacuation
- Residence Assessment Exercise
- Basics of Negotiation
- Coping with Insecure Environments: Stress Awareness
- Field Communication Equipment and Communication Protocol
- First Aid: Essentials for life support (EAR/CPR, major bleeding control & evacuation/repatriation)
- Image and Acceptance
- Vehicle Check Points/Road Blocks
- Field Security (Crowds and Mobs, Hostage Survival, Vehicle Check Points/Road Blocks, Sexual Assault, Weapons Awareness)
The practical component enables students to apply their new knowledge regarding equipment, organisation, physical and mental states, risk management and contingency planning. (i.e. what to do on arrival in-country, how to fine-tune plans, flexible organisation, importance of travelling light for mobility).
Practical skills taught through experiential scenarios include but are not limited to:
- Patterns of behaviour and predictability
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder self-assessment procedure
- How to not be a target (e.g. how and why a researcher is seen)
- What to do regarding the presence of small arms (i.e. what indicators to understand regarding their use and when under fire or in the vicinity of fire how to take cover)
- How to avoid and/or cope with threats of physical violence and physical violence
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject, students are expected to:
- have an acceptable draft Research Plan, Ethics Application and Risk Management Plan completed and ready for submission;
- understand the University of Melbourne’s Risk Management, Security and Travel Guidelines;
- understand the range of ethical issues involved with fieldwork oriented research, including knowledge of how to approach and complete a Human Research Ethics Committee application;
- understand the process of planning and conducting extended fieldwork research;
- be able to understand and select specific research methods and analytical tools to undertake applied research in complex and hostile environments;
- have a Basic Security in the Field (BSITF II) qualification from the United Nations (UN). Holding a BSITF II qualification is a pre-requisite for employment with the UN;
- be able to demonstrate through assessment and practical scenarios their awareness of the key security challenges and issues confronting researchers in the field;
- have an advanced understanding of complex environments and be able to manage risks whilst undertaking effective research;
- have an improved ability to make plans and decisions regarding fieldwork as a component of an overarching research strategy.
Generic skills
Upon successful completion of this subject, students are expected to:
- have an understanding of the advantages, disadvantages and dangers of using different research methods in different ways;
- Have acquired awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication;
- be able to synthesise theory with practice and apply knowledge to real life scenarios;
- acquire effective writing skills;
- An introductory level of knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Students enrolling in this subject ideally should have undertaken coursework in Research Methods at undergraduate or Honours level or have gained introductory level knowledge of research methodologies through career experience.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
An informal reflective piece
| 14 Days after the end of teaching | 25% |
A high-level Research Plan
| 45 Days after the end of teaching | 75% |
| Hurdle requirement: As this is an Intensively-taught subject, attendance at all lectures and practical training sessions is compulsory. Regular participation in class is required. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Additional details
Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Quotas apply to this subject
Dates & times
Not available in 2021
Time commitment details
Total of 340 hours
Additional delivery details
This subject has a quota of 30 students.
Selection Criteria: This subject requires submission of a Researcher Self-assessment form to the subject contact 10 days before the Pre-teaching Period Start date. Places in the subject will be allocated in order of satisfactory submissions received, with preference given to students in Master of International Relations or Master of Development Studies, and to students who have impending travel overseas that need specific training to operate in complex or less secure environments.
Confirmation of enrolment will be notified to students, and unsuccessful applicants will be removed from the subject and advised via email.
Last updated: 10 February 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
A reading pack containing the core readings for each day will be made available for purchase from the University Bookshop. The core textbooks used for the course are:
- Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (Sage 2011)
- Surviving Field Research (Routledge 2009)
- Operational Security Management in Violent Environments (2010)
NOTE: An additional reading list will also be provided
- Subject notes
An application process for this subject applies. Please contact Dr. Scott Flower scott.flower@unimelb.edu.au for further information.
- Related Handbook entries
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
Last updated: 10 February 2024