Structure of the 16-Month COEX MA Program

1. Practicum / Field Projectin the Master of Arts inCoexistence and Conflict &the Dual Master of Arts in Sustainable International Development and Coexistence and Conflict

2. Structure of the 16-MonthCOEX MA Program COEX Year- in-residence (fall/spring: 2 semesters) Studying mainly Coexistence and Conflict FIELD PROJECT Three months (Summer) in the field Researching A Field Project on an issue of coexistence or conflict FIELDPROJECTREPORT Up to 3 months (fall) Final write up of the Field Project Report

3. Structure of the SIDCO Dual Program SID First year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Sustainable International Development (SID) COEX Second year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) FIELD PROJECT Three months (Summer) in the field Researching A Field Project on an issue of development and coexistence or conflict FIELDPROJECTREPORT Up to 3 months (Fall) Final write up of the Field Project Report

4. Purpose of Practicum/Field Project • To study the relationship of theory to practice • To expand policy and practical experience • To test and improve width and depth of professional skills • To significantly increase networks of collaboration • To gain field experience and exposure (to people, organizations, etc.) • Under supervision, to increase security and comfort levels at working in a contentious and often dangerous field

5. What the Project Looks Like • Work placement/Internship of at least 3 months in a (non-)governmental organization assisting with the development and implementation of a policy or a program of • coexistence intervention for COEX students • and development in a conflicted context for SIDCO students. Possible options for the project (finalized by ToR) • (1) identify an intervention, or part thereof • (2) set objectives and time lines for the intervention • (3) secure partners where necessary for implementation • (4) ensure appropriate monitoring & evaluating techniques are built into the program design • (5) write a final report on the intervention • Independent fieldwork of at least 3 months on a coexistence or conflict issue** • To understand the relationship of theory to practice • To consider partnerships with policy makers or practitioners working in the area **This option is the exception and at the discretion of the Director

6. Academic Advisors  • All students are assigned an academic advisor who will assist you: • in the planning and design of your practicum/field project • and in the writing of your Master’s field project report • Students may also select an external expert consultant to work with their Heller advisor (can be from other Heller programs, Brandeis Community or other Universities – approval needed from Director) • Students are encouraged to interact with their advisors and consultants as often as needed • to discuss your progress • and to receive feedback both while on campus (one-to-one meetings) and in the field (email, Skype)

7. Important Questions to Begin With • What are the purpose, goals, and objectives of your research? • What are the important questions, problems or issues? • What information, data, facts or observations are important? • What concepts, theories or principles should be employed? • What are the implications and consequences of this research? • Are there other points of view, perspectives or orientations to consider?

8. What Will be Submitted • Outline • Proposal (academic requirement) and Protocol (IRB requirement) • Proposal Approval Form and Waiver Form (acknowledging venture to unstable/conflict area) • Monthly reports • During 3 months in field as well as 3 months writing paper • Reports sent to Joanne who passes to Academic Advisor • Final Draft • Must be submitted at least onemonth prior to final submission date • Final Master’s Paper

9. Important Dates to Remember

10. Institutional Review Board (IRB) • The Brandeis Committee for Protection of Human Subjects (BCPHS) is the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at Brandeis University. • Reviews all research involving human subjects conducted at Brandeis University or by a member of the Brandeis community, regardless of the funding source, to ensure that the research meets with federal, state, local, and institutional regulations. • MorgenSarpeshkar(IRB Coordinator) will visit program (February/March) to speak about IRB requirements and the process of submitting an application • For more information: irb@brandeis.edu • Questions: http://www.brandeis.edu/osp/hsintro.html

11. Why IRB? What’s Involved? • Protection of the researcher • Protection of the human subjects that you will be dealing with • Protection of the University _____________________________________________ • Prior to submitting for approval all students must complete an online training (CITI Program Training) • Initial Application: Cover Sheet, Assurance, Protocol [Academic Advisor serves as your Principal Investigator (PI)] • Review process can take anywhere from 3-6 weeks • Notification of approval or exemption • Final report to terminate once research/paper complete

12. Other Important Information • International students (F1 visas) • Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) • May be necessary to have in place PRIOR to beginning your field project • Make sure you are in touch with ISSO! Look at ISSO web site for further information. • ACE Insurance – emergency coverage (medical, evacuation, etc.) • Health Insurance – coverage must be continued during the field project and write up phase

13. Presentations (“Capstone”) • This year: December 6, 2011 at 4pm (G4) • Current students finishing up Master’s Papers will share their first hand experience, highlights and main findings from their research. • Sharing of ideas about countries, organizations, the overall process of securing practicum/field project, carrying it out in the field, and writing the final paper. • Next December you will have the same opportunity to present your field project and give back to the program!

14. For Further Informationabout the Field Project • Log onto MyHeller or the COEX website: • http://heller.brandeis.edu/academic/ma-coex/curriculum/field-project.html • Look for the Practicum/Field Project Handbook, which outlines all of the requirements https://secureweb.brandeis.edu/heller/heller/myHeller/degree-programs/ma-coex/index.html • Hard copies of past field projects up until 2010, are available in the SID/COEX library (bottom floor of Heller) • Please do not remove these from the library. • Those marked with red dots are considered top reports. • See Joanne Murphy for more information or questions.