Online Courses Handbook 2003

186303 v.2 Master of Arts (Indigenous Research and Development)

MA(Curtin)

Introduction
This course prepares students for higher occupational levels requiring research and development capabilities relevant to policy, program and project development and human services delivery in Aboriginal and other indigenous contexts. It provides participants with rigorous training in all facets of research and development work under the supervision of senior staff from across the University. Students develop high levels of competence in conceptualising observing, describing and analysing information using a variety of observational techniques and analytic procedures. The products of these research processes are applied directly to developmental work in social, organisational and community contexts. The degree is a professional qualification requiring rigorous coursework and field-based research work. Culturally-based inputs from Aboriginal students, Aboriginal staff and visiting Indigenous academics complement the significant academic and professional resources of the University.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A Postgraduate Diploma at University level, or a Bachelor degree with Honours or qualifications from another insitution recognised by tertiary admissions authorities in Australia and deemed to be equivalent to or a satisfactory substitute for any of theabove qualifications. Those students without completed formal coursework in Aboriginal Studies may also be required to complete appropriate background units.

Duration and Availability
The course is by research and normally requires one to two years of full-time study. The course is also available in part-time mode. Students engage in relevant coursework related to the design and implementation of research processes in indigenous contexts in a chosen area of specialisation. They also engage in field work, usually related to a community based research project.

Course Organisation
This course is studied as a research degree. The content of the degree should be determined in consultation with the Postgraduate Coordinator, Centre for Aboriginal Studies. This course consists of coursework, and a thesis. Each student carries out a research project using parrticipatory research methodologies incorporating data collection and analysis and theorising in an ongoing and iterative process. Research fieldwork is supported by supervisor consultations and complemented by readings, seminars, peer support networks and supervisor visits.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study. Students are required tohave full-time use of a computer with electronic communication capabilities. Some units within this course may have a field component, for which costs may be incurred.

Special Note
It is a requirement that two-thirds of this course is undertaken by research and only one-third by coursework.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

99033 v.2 Masters Thesis - Aboriginal Studies

Year 1 Semester 1

12671 v.2 CAS 500 - Advanced Aboriginal Studies 4.0 25.0

12673 v.2 CAS 502 - Qualitative Action Research Methods 4.0 25.0

50.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12672 v.2 CAS 501 - Systems of Knowledge 3.0 25.0

12674 v.2 CAS 503 - Electronic Communications and Information Management 3.0 12.5

12675 v.2 CAS 504 - Specialisation Seminar 3.0 12.5

50.0

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