Course Type: Postgraduate (taught)
Training Provider: University of Bergen
School/Institute/Dept./Centre: Faculty of Psychology

The main goals of the program is to enable the students to 1) understand the significance of gender for development policy and projects and 2) to use gender as a problematized analytical category in their own research. Students should be made familiar with key concepts and domains of gender analyses. They should learn to examine local level gendered patterns of social organization as well as understanding gender in a cross-cultural perspective. They should be able to understand the gendered aspects of poverty and vulnerability: of global socio-economic and political processes as well as the role of the various institutional actors involved in such processes. Students should also be able to understand gender mainstreaming and the gendered consequences of more specifically targeted development policies. A key concept is human development, not as related to theories of individual psychological development but defined within the frames of socio-political development theory. In this broad sense, human development views the ultimate goal of development processes as enlarging people's choices and capabilities for achieving not only a decent standard of living, but equity in health and education: and more broadly in achieving an environment supportive of empowerment, democracy and human security.

Thus, the Program aims to offer a critical and contextual perspective on both "development" and "gender." The Program emphasizes developing the students' ability to reflect globally and ethically and at the same time retain a perspective "from below" which is sensitive to local values and ideas. Methodologically, the focus will be on qualitative research techniques.

The theoretical part of the study should prepare the students for independent research, which should be based on data collected through fieldwork (master thesis, 60 ETCS). Fieldwork should be performed in the summer/early autumn between 2. and 3. term.

Through the work with the master's thesis, as well as through selective courses, the students should develop their own academic specialization according to their field of interests.

The theoretical part of the study will be offered in the first semester: Gender Analyses: Basic concepts and fields (15 ECTS) and Critical Perspectives on Development Processes: From economic growth to human development (15 ECTS)

During the second semester, the Program offers a course on Methodology and theory of sciences (15 ECTS) and Optional courses (10 ECTS). Optional MA level courses can be chosen according to each student's specialization from the selection of English-language 300-level courses available at the University. The Program board will take active part in the selection of courses.

The project proposal, which should be completed in the course of the second semester, will give 5 ECTS.

Instruction
The study combines different forms of teaching and pedagogical tools, including ordinary lectures, seminars and workshops. Stress is put on developing the students' ability to perform critical readings of own and other's work. Moreover, it is considered important to give the students training in academic writing skills as well as in different research techniques.

Assessment / Examination Format
The students will be presented to different forms of assessment like written exams, home-exam, essays and portfolio assessment.

Professional Prospects
Mainstreaming of gender in development processes is a priority for all development agencies, whether multilateral, bilateral, or NGOs: and Human Development is the overarching goal of most donors. A Master's degree in Gender and Development gives the candidates a broad competence within the field, and should give qualifications for jobs in the many development aid organizations, in the UN-system, with bilateral donors and NGOs, as well as in different parts of National and local public administration.

Study Period Abroad
It is presumed that most of the international students will return to their home countries to do fieldwork. Norwegian students are also encouraged to perform their research abroad but this is not a requirement.

Study Plan

1st semester:

• GAD301 Gender Analyses: Basic concepts and fields (15 ECTS)
• GAD302 Critical Perspectives on Development Processes: From economic growth to human development (15 ECTS)

2nd semester:

• GAD303 Methodology and theory of sciences (15 ECTS)
• GAD304 Research proposal (5 ECTS)
• Optional course (10 ECTS)

3th and 4th semester:

• GAD350 Master thesis (60 ECTS)

Hits: 1947

                                                                     

Entry Requirements:
Prospective students to the Master's programme in Gender and Development, must have completed a first degree study (Bachelor's degree) of at least three years' duration from a recognized institution of higher education or an equivalent education approved by the University Senate. The candidate must document special competence equaling one and a half year of study (90 ECTS) in a field or subject of specialization relevant to gender and/or development issues. Other specializations can be considered as equivalent.

Applicants must document proficiency in the English language according to specified requirements, as English is the language of instruction, examination and the thesis.

Course Duration:
2 calendar years; next student intake in 2007.

Language(s) of Instruction:

• English

Mode of Study:

• residential

Thematic Focus:

• Anthropology/Sociology
• Development Policy
• Gender Issues
• Participatory Approaches
• Poverty Analysis
• Research Methods

Country(ies):

• Norway

Town(s) or City(ies):
Bergen

Course's Webpage:
http://students.uib.no/?link_id=147&sublink_id=&toplink_id=15&mode=show_page&content_id=279&modus=vis_studieprogram&kode=MAPS-GAD