In Research Design and Methods, students will be exposed to key contentions and state of knowledge on doing research in the fields of international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict. The course aims to equip students with the theoretical, methodological and normative toolkits for formulating good research questions, practicing methodological creativity and in crafting research designs with integrity. The course is structured into three main parts beginning with lessons on the development of a research project, literature review and research significance. It then examines a range of toolkits researchers use in finding answers to their research questions. The remainder of the course examines ways of applying IR research within and beyond the academic environment as well as for a range of academic, policy and practitioner audience.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand theoretical, methodological and normative insights on conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Critically evaluate a pluralist and eclectic range of methodology, methods and ethical principles in conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Apply knowledge on conducting research in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict, in diverse and multiply-relevant ways from academic, policy to development practice environment.
- Develop a variety of communication and critical-thinking skills needed in sustaining socially-engaged and ethical scholarship in international relations, diplomacy, and peace and conflict.
- Demonstrate understanding of the challenges and dilemmas associated with conducting social sciences research and awareness of how to address them
Other Information
The course is conducted through seminars with an emphasis on interactive teaching aimed at engaging all students in active participation.
Indicative Assessment
- Reading Review (20) [LO 1,2,5]
- Research Ethics Brief (30) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Research Proposal (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Approximately 130 hours comprising seminars as well as associated preparation, independent study, and assessment time.
Please note this is a general guide, averaged over the semester and the final hours ultimately depend on the individual's ability in reading and writing.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable.
Prescribed Texts
To be advised.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $4440 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3872 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | In Person | View |
| 4147 | 19 Feb 2024 | 26 Feb 2024 | 05 Apr 2024 | 24 May 2024 | Online | N/A |