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

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

3. Structure of the SIDCO Dual Program COEX Second year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) COEX Second year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Coexistence and Conflict (COEX) SID First year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Sustainable International Development (SID) SID First year in-residence (two semesters) Studying mainly Sustainable International Development (SID) FIELD PROJECT Three months (Summer) in the field Researching A Field Project on an issue of development and coexistence or conflict FIELD PROJECT Three months (Summer) in the field Researching A Field Project on an issue of development and coexistence or conflict FIELD PROJECT REPORT Up to 3 months (Fall) Final write up of the Field Project Report FIELD PROJECT REPORT 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 1.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 2.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 one month prior to final submission date Final Master’s Paper

9. Important Dates to Remember ItemTarget Date Field project – orientation sessionToday = done! One on One meetings w/Practicum Coordinator (email for appointment) January / February Proposed Practicum / Field Project and Protocol March / April Carry out Field ProjectSummer/Fall Finalizing the writing of Masters PaperFall Final Masters Paper and Grades to Registrar Mid – December of 2012

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. Morgen Sarpeshkar (IRB Coordinator) w ill visit program (February/March) to speak about IRB requirements and the process of submitting an application For more information: irb@brandeis.eduirb@brandeis.edu Questions: http://www.brandeis.edu/osp/hsintro.htmlhttp://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 Information about the Field Project Log onto MyHeller or the COEX website: –http://heller.brandeis.edu/academic/ma-coex/curriculum/field- project.htmlhttp://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.