Course Specifications

Valid as from the academic year 2011-2012

Scientific Communications on Rural Development (I001894)

Course size Credits 3.0 A (semester 2) (nominal values; actual values may depend on programme) Study time 75.0 h Contact hrs 30.0 h lecture self-reliant study activities guided self-study seminar LA01 LA01 LA01 LA01 2.5 h 20.0 h 2.5 h 5.0 h lecturer-in-charge co-lecturer co-lecturer co-lecturer crdts 3 offering A

Course offerings and teaching methods in academic year 2011-2012

Lecturers in academic year 2011-2012 Van Huylenbroeck, Guido D'Haese, Marijke Gellynck, Xavier Verbeke, Wim Offered in the following programmes in 2011-2012 International Master of Science in Rural Development

Teaching languages English Keywords Scientific literature, paper, presentation, skills, references Level specialist Position of the course The objective of this course is to learn students how to find and assess scientific literature, how to elaborate a paper in a scientific way and how to present and discuss this paper. The course wants to combine insight in content on temporary issues in rural development issues with development of scientific communication skills. Contents The course consists mainly of development by the student of a paper on a temporary agricultural economic or rural development issue. Based on existing literature, eventually presentations by invited scientists the student is expected to develop a discussion paper on the topic of hic choice, to present discuss this paper with his fellow students and staff of the department. Further each student will also be discussion opener of one of the papers presented by its fellow students. In order to be introduced in how to find literature, write a paper and present it (video) materials will be made available and an introductory class given on following topics 1 Introduction to research: Defining a research proposal 2 Reading 1 structure of scientific literature 1 use of scientific databases 3 Writing 1 structure of a paper 1 lay-out 1 table and figures 1 referencing: in the text and in a reference list 1 use of end-note / reference manager 4 Writing clinic 5 Presenting 1 structure of a presentation (Approved) 1

1 lay-out The contact hours will be used for presentations and discussion of papers. Initial competences Basic knowledge economics and development (Bachelor level) Final competences At the end of the course, the students are expected to: know where to find scientific literature on agricultural economic and rural development topics know how to assess and use library search tools; distinguish between the different types of scientific literature (peer reviewed, working papers, reports) be able to write and structure a scientific article-like text; apply proper referencing (in the text and the reference list); know the structure and lay-out of article-like texts have good presentation and discussion skills have inside in temporary agricultural economic and rural development issues Conditions for credit contract Access to this course unit via a credit contract is determined after successful competences assessment Conditions for exam contract This course unit cannot be taken via an exam contract Teaching methods Guided self-study, lecture, seminar, self-reliant study activities Extra information on the teaching methods Within the lecture, the major rules of scientific communication are given (through video?), but the focus of the teaching methods is on the independent guided self-study of the work in which they look for literature and the elaboration of a research paper. This paper will also be presented and discussed . Learning materials and price Material will be made available through Minerva. Estimated price of copies 15 euro References Course content-related study coaching Interactive support through Minerva, specific coaching on appointment with lecturers and assistants Evaluation methods permanent evaluation Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the first examination period Examination methods in case of periodic evaluation during the second examination period Examination methods in case of permanent evaluation Assignment, skills test Possibilities of retake in case of permanent evaluation examination during the second examination period is possible in modified form Extra information on the examination methods The evaluation is based on an article like paper of 3000 words on a topic of choice using the skills taught in class. The article is presented during 15 minutes and discussed after an discussion opening by a fellow student for about 15 minutes. The paper will be evaluated based on content, structure, presentation and discussion Calculation of the examination mark Assignments: 100% Students who eschew period non-period aligned evaluations for this course unit may be failed by the examiner. (Approved) 2

Addendum

(Approved)