IDM013-Participatory interventions in development

Module Provider: School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: Familiarity with the role of research and extension in development would be useful
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Email: p.t.dorward@reading.ac.uk

Summary module description:

Aims:
The aims of the module are to: 1) explore changing understandings of innovation processes and decision-making in natural resource based livelihoods, with particular respect to participatory and bottom-up approaches; 2) consider what participatory approaches and methods are together with their strengths and limitations and; 3) consider the implications of 1 and 2 for the management and organisation of practical development and extension/research interventions.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Explain the reasons for the development and widespread use of participatory processes and methods
• Use a range of participatory methods
• Identify the advantages and limitations of greater use of participation in practical development work
• Explain approaches to analysing and understanding decision-making processes used by beneficiaries (e.g. poor people in rural communities) and factors influencing decision-making
• Identify the main factors that influence the success of participatory interventions
• Develop a plan for a participatory intervention or ‘project’ which draws on the above learning outcomes.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• What is participation and what is it trying to achieve* Decision-making processes of beneficiaries
• Reasons for the emergence of participatory approaches
• Participatory methods (practical activity)
• Advantages and disadvantages of participatory approaches
• Planning and ‘management’ of participatory interventions: operationalising participation and implications for management

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A mixture of lectures, group work, analysis of case studies and videos are used in the taught sessions.

Other information on summative assessment:
Coursework
One essay/project of around 2500 words (75% of marks) and one case study report of around 500 words with brief presentation (25% of marks)
Relative percentage of coursework: 100%

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Length of examination:

Requirements for a pass:
50% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-assessment will be by the re-submission of a new written essay/project.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 21 December 2016