Module: EDU6010-20 International Development and Education Dissertation 1

Level: 6

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Vandana Singh

Module Tutor Contact Details: v.singh@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module: 

This module explores the case-study of Nepal, exploring contextual issues such as challenges for the rural education policy; the Maoist war and legacy, caste and gender issues; tourism and volunteerism.

All of these characters have a unique impact on, and need for different educational interventions. In this module we will explore the interaction between Nepal’s development challenges and education, with specific reference to rural education. For example the pressure of rural out migration on schools and communities; the challenges and advantages of technology in rural and hard-to-reach contexts; the challenges and opportunities of tourism; etc.

Learning moments are predominantly through participation in the field, where embodied and experiential knowledge will be gained through participant observation of all aspects of education within the case study of a rural Nepalese village. One aspect or sector will be explored in depth through the assignment

To ensure students are able to complete this module alongside modules that require fieldwork, this module will follow a pattern of delivery commensurate with the required* module: Nepal Fieldwork, with reference to Education

2.Outline syllabus

Key concepts: knowledge and understanding of education and international development through Nepal case study

• Introduction to issues in Nepal and the role of education within them

• Awareness of the roles and work of the donor/development sector within education in Nepal

Current issues:

• Interaction between environmental and social spheres (Outward bound/ activity tourism; Physical challenges of mountainous environments, etc.)

• Push pull factors for rural urban migration

• Trend for overseas working (Gurkas) and educational motivation

• Technology and education

• Community livelihood education

3.Teaching and learning activities

Ø  Preparatory seminars

Ø  Fieldwork

• Participant observation

• Interviewing

• Journaling/reflexivity

Ø  Debrief

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research (question, rationale and literature review)

• % Weighting: 50

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Ethics reflection

• % Weighting: 25

Assessment Item 3:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Ethics application

• % Weighting: Pass/Fail

Assessment Item 4:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Fieldtrip design

• % Weighting: 25