DISSERTATION (Practical)

Paper Code: 
24DGEO 807
Credits: 
6
Contact Hours: 
180.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

1. The student learns to plan a project, develop its methodology, implement the same under guidance of a supervisor, derive conclusions and check their validity/deviation in results from the standard or expected outcomes and find out the courses of deviation, if any.

2. This component will help to create research aptitude in the students and help them to develop a Scientific approach in solving problems related to geography.

Course Outcomes: 
CO141: Ability to develop plans with the guidance of supervisor to achieve the project's goals.
CO142: Evaluate estimate and cost the human and physical resources required, and make plans to obtain the necessary resources.
CO143: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction.
180.00
Contents:
 Research Methodology, Data collection, Citation, Base map. Field Work in Geographical Studies – Role, Value, Data.
 Defining the Field and Identifying the Case Study – Rural / Urban / Physical / Human /Environmental.
 Field Techniques –Field techniques, Selection of the Appropriate Techniques; Sampling strategies, Observation (Participant / Non Participant), Questionnaires (Open/ Closed / Structured / Non-Structured, Interview with Special Focus on Focused Group Discussions; Space Survey (Transects and Quadrants, Constructing a Sketch)
 Use of Field Tools – Collection of Material for Physical and Socio-Economic Surveys.
 Designing the Field Report – Aims and Objectives, Methodology, Analysis, Interpretation and writingtheReport.
 
Dissertation Thesis:
1. Each student will prepare an individual report based on primary and secondary data collected during
fieldwork.
2. The duration of the field work should not exceed 10 days.
3. Four copies of the Thesis on A 4 size paper should be submitted in hard binding.
Essential Readings: 

1. Creswell J., 1994: Research Design: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Sage Publications.

2. Dikshit, R. D. 2003. The Art and Science of Geography: Integrated Readings. Prentice-Hall of India, NewDelhi.

3. Evans M., 1988: “Participant Observation: The Researcher as Research Tool” in Qualitative Methods in Human Geography, eds. J. Eyles and D. Smith, Polity.

4. Mukherjee, Neela 1993. Participatory Rural Appraisal: Methodology and Application. Concept Publs. Co.,NewDelhi.

5. Mukherjee, Neela 2002. Participatory Learning and Action: with 100 Field Methods. Concept Publs. Co., New Delhi

6. Robinson A., 1998: "Thinking Straight and Writing That Way", in Writing Empirical Research Reports: A Basic Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioural Sciences, eds. by F. Pryczak and R. Bruce Pryczak, Publishing: Los Angeles.

7. Special Issue on “Doing Fieldwork” The Geographical Review 91:1-2 (2001).

8. Stoddard R. H., 1982: Field Techniques and Research Methods in Geography, Kendall/Hunt.

9. Wolcott, H. 1995. The Art of Fieldwork. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek, CA.

Academic Year: 
2024-2025