Transcript Master of Arts Degree in Coexistence and Conflict & The

Practicum / Field Project
in the Master of Arts in Coexistence and Conflict
&
the Dual Master of Arts in Sustainable International
Development and Coexistence and Conflict
Structure of the 16-Month
COEX MA Program
COEX
FIELD
PROJECT
Yearin-residence
(fall/spring:
2 semesters)
Three months
(Summer)
in the field
Studying
mainly
Coexistence
and Conflict
Researching
A Field Project
on an issue of
coexistence or
conflict
FIELD
PROJECT
REPORT
Up to 3
months
(fall)
Final write up
of the Field
Project Report
Structure of the SIDCO Dual Program
SID
COEX
First year
in-residence
(two
semesters)
Second year
in-residence
(two
semesters)
Studying
mainly
Sustainable
International
Development
(SID)
Studying
mainly
Coexistence
and Conflict
(COEX)
FIELD PROJECT
Three months
(Summer)
in the field
FIELD
PROJECT
REPORT
Researching
A Field Project
on an issue of
development
and
coexistence or
conflict
Up to 3
months (Fall)
Final write up
of the Field
Project Report
Purpose of Practicum/Field Project
•
•
•
•
•
To study the relationship of theory to practice
To expand policy and practical experience
To test and improve width and depth of professional skills
To significantly increase networks of collaboration
To gain field experience and exposure (to people,
organizations, etc.)
• Under supervision, to increase security and comfort levels
at working in a contentious and often dangerous field
What the Project Looks Like
1.
Work placement/Internship of at least 3 months in a (non-)governmental
organization assisting with the development and implementation of a policy or a
program of
– coexistence intervention for COEX students
– and development in a conflicted context for SIDCO students.
Possible options for the project (finalized by ToR)
– (1) identify an intervention, or part thereof
– (2) set objectives and time lines for the intervention
– (3) secure partners where necessary for implementation
– (4) ensure appropriate monitoring & evaluating techniques are built into the
program design
– (5) write a final report on the intervention
2.
Independent fieldwork of at least 3 months on a coexistence or conflict issue**
–
To understand the relationship of theory to practice
–
To consider partnerships with policy makers or practitioners working in the area
**This option is the exception and at the discretion of the Director
Academic Advisors
• All students are assigned an academic advisor who will
assist you:
– in the planning and design of your practicum/field project
– and in the writing of your Master’s field project report
• Students may also select an external expert consultant to
work with their Heller advisor (can be from other Heller programs,
Brandeis Community or other Universities – approval needed from
Director)
• Students are encouraged to interact with their advisors
and consultants as often as needed
– to discuss your progress
– and to receive feedback both while on campus (one-to-one
meetings) and in the field (email, Skype)
Important Questions to Begin With
• What are the purpose, goals, and objectives of your
research?
• What are the important questions, problems or issues?
• What information, data, facts or observations are
important?
• What concepts, theories or principles should be
employed?
• What are the implications and consequences of this
research?
• Are there other points of view, perspectives or
orientations to consider?
What Will be Submitted
• Outline
• Proposal (academic requirement) and Protocol (IRB requirement)
• Proposal Approval Form and Waiver Form (acknowledging
venture to unstable/conflict area)
• Monthly reports
– During 3 months in field as well as 3 months writing paper
– Reports sent to Joanne who passes to Academic Advisor
• Final Draft
– Must be submitted at least one month prior to final submission
date
• Final Master’s Paper
Important Dates to Remember
Item
Target Date
Field project – orientation session
Today = done!
One on One meetings w/Practicum
Coordinator (email for appointment)
January / February
Proposed Practicum / Field Project and
Protocol
March / April
Carry out Field Project
Summer/Fall
Finalizing the writing of Masters Paper
Fall
Final Masters Paper and Grades to
Registrar
Mid – December of 2012
Institutional Review Board (IRB)
•
The Brandeis Committee for Protection of Human Subjects
(BCPHS) is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Brandeis
University.
– Reviews all research involving human subjects conducted at
Brandeis University or by a member of the Brandeis community,
regardless of the funding source, to ensure that the research meets
with federal, state, local, and institutional regulations.
• Morgen Sarpeshkar (IRB Coordinator) will visit program
(February/March) to speak about IRB requirements and the process
of submitting an application
• For more information: [email protected]
• Questions: http://www.brandeis.edu/osp/hsintro.html
Why IRB? What’s Involved?
• Protection of the researcher
• Protection of the human subjects that you will be dealing with
• Protection of the University
_____________________________________________
• Prior to submitting for approval all students must complete an
online training (CITI Program Training)
• Initial Application: Cover Sheet, Assurance, Protocol [Academic
Advisor serves as your Principal Investigator (PI)]
• Review process can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks
• Notification of approval or exemption
• Final report to terminate once research/paper complete
Other Important Information
• International students (F1 visas)
– Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training
(CPT)
• May be necessary to have in place PRIOR to beginning your field
project
– Make sure you are in touch with ISSO! Look at ISSO web site
for further information.
• ACE Insurance – emergency coverage (medical, evacuation, etc.)
• Health Insurance – coverage must be continued during
the field project and write up phase
Presentations (“Capstone”)
• This year: December 6, 2011 at 4pm (G4)
• Current students finishing up Master’s Papers will share
their first hand experience, highlights and main findings
from their research.
• Sharing of ideas about countries, organizations, the
overall process of securing practicum/field project,
carrying it out in the field, and writing the final paper.
• Next December you will have the same opportunity to
present your field project and give back to the program!
For Further Information
about the Field Project
•
Log onto MyHeller or the COEX website:
– http://heller.brandeis.edu/academic/ma-coex/curriculum/fieldproject.html
– Look for the Practicum/Field Project Handbook,
which outlines all of the requirements
https://secureweb.brandeis.edu/heller/heller/myHeller/degreeprograms/ma-coex/index.html
• Hard copies of past field projects up until 2010, are available
in the SID/COEX library (bottom floor of Heller)
– Please do not remove these from the library.
– Those marked with red dots are considered top reports.
• See Joanne Murphy for more information or questions.