IWE-32306 Research Themes in International Land and Water Management

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

IWE-20804, ENP-21804

Continuation courses:

IWE-31304, IWE-80324, ESW-80324

Contents:

The course Research Themes in International Land and Water Management prepares students for executing their own thesis research. It is complementary to other courses that focus on research methodologies and designing a research project, but does not focus on how to do research. Rather, the course explores the role and importance of theory in land and water management research and the purposes of research (i.e., articulating a scientific argument, or informing policy, or improving interventions). The course starts with a reflection on the conceptual grounding of research, by highlighting the differences between positivist and constructivist schools of thought and their relevance for translating land and water development, design and management issues into research topics. Next, several themes of current interest in land and water management research are presented, with special attention for the role of theory in the study of these themes. Besides the presentation of current research findings in these themes and a reflection on the conceptual notions that inform these findings, the course pays attention to the underlying question how to conceptually approach these themes. The themes dealt with in the course reflect current developments in land and water management research and therefore will change from year to year. Probable themes for this year are land and water rights in relation to legal complexity, water politics and participation, and political ecology of land degradation processes.

Aims:

After the course the student will:
- be able to indicate current research findings in the fields of land and water rights and legal complexity, water politics and participation, and political ecology of land degradation;
- have gained an understanding of the relationship between theory and research in selected themes in international land and water management;
- appreciate the differences between positivist and constructivist research paradigms and their relevance to research in international land and water management;
- have further developed the academic skill to translate land and water development, design and management issues into research topics that are conceptually grounded.

Activities:

The course consists of lectures, self-study, plenary and group discussions and a take-home exam consisting of four essays. During the lectures academic staff and guest speakers clarify the various topics and literature is discussed. The study materials consist of a reader and study- and discussion questions. These questions are discussed in groups of 3-5 people, and presented in the following plenary session.

Examination:

Participants will be assessed based on attendance, participation in discussions, and the quality of four individual or group essays.

Literature:

The course reader will be made available at the beginning of the course.