TypicalCourseSyllabus
MRTS 521-Research Skills
Syllabus
Professor Mazin Qumsiyeh teaches and does research at Bethlehem and Birzeit Universities. He is director of the Palestine Museum of Natural History and Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (http://palestinenature.org ). He published over 200 research articles and several books including "Sharing the Land of Canaan: human rights and the Israeli/Palestinian Struggle" and "Popular Resistance in Palestine: A history of Hope and Empowerment". Tel. 02-2773553 (Palestine Museum of Natural History), mobile xxxx. But best is through email mazin@qumsiyeh.org
About the course: http://www.bethlehem.edu/mrts “The main aim of the Master in Tourism Studies is to provide a trained constituency equipped with a detailed knowledge and research skills on the interrelation between tourism, pilgrimage, and cultural industries, and the relation between these and economic and social development in general and in Palestine in particular. Particular attention will be given to the role of institutions in the sector. The course has been devised to be of particular relevance to developing and/or transitional economies that so much characterize economy in Palestine.” “ The specific goal of the program is to form qualified personnel with an expertise in the analysis of complex scenarios that may be able to design and implement tourism development projects, or to carry on research activities for tourism development purposes, especially in the Palestinian environment.”
The content of MRTS 521 focuses on a series of technical and theoretical instruments which are used in tourism research. Getting a solid knowledge of the basic research tools represents a valuable asset for all those whose task includes the drafting of reports and dossiers. Students will apply the principles and practices of research for the tourism industry specifically within the context of tourism planning and development. Students will develop and implement a primary research plan related to the tourism industry and present the results of the project as through a written paper and an online presentation. We cover Quantitative Research Methods and Qualitative Research Methods, Information Technology Applications, and management and communications.
Course objectives:
- Develop skills in research questions specifically within the context of tourism planning and development. and how to choose methodologies (qualitative and quantitative). This includes asking the right questions to search strategies to project design and implementation.
- Develop skills to locate information and read, understand, and critique literature including one’s own writing based on objective criteria
- Develop skills in critical thinking, concept evaluation, and questioning existing theory and practice of the field
- Develop skills in how to communicate results of literature review and results of data gathering via oral and written communication. This includes being able to articulate new concepts and write objectively on subject matter in a way that convinces the reader
Classes and ways of functioning: Classes are interactive and require students to prepare ahead of time and participate actively in class. Our philosophy include student centered learning especially focused on self-expression, critical thinking, positive and explorative education. Each class includes a presentation of issues, class discussion, exercises, potential quiz, and assignment of work for the next session. Students are expected to come prepared and engage in the class (student centered learning). Critical thinking and a questioning attitude are emphasized (not rogue memorizations).
Evaluations: 1-Research and presentation (30 points): Research in one area that you select in agreement with Prof. This includes a written document (5-10 pages with >10 references) and a presentation to the class (5-10 min). The research can be in terms of a review of a specific area of tourism related to Plestine or a plan for research related to the tourism industry and present the results of the project (through a written paper and a presentation). 2-Homework/reading evaluations (20 points): These are 1-2 page reflections on reading material. 3-Examinations (30 points): There will be one final examination that measures ability to link information and articulate thought on subjects we cover during the course.4-Classroom participation/verbal evaluations (20 points): These are given in class on subjects being covered in that class to ensure students are ready to answer questions without preparation and usually they measure the thought process (not memorization).
Required readings
Social Research Methods Database https://conjointly.com/kb/
Academic skills: https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/listing/95
Somekh, B. and C Lewin (eds) 2005. Research methods for the social sciences. Sage Publications, London.
Module 1: Basics of research:
-Basic background and definitions, searching databases and information on the webs, reading, critical thinking (including comparing and contrasting information), problem solving, analysis. Knowledge as interdisciplinary and as valued for its own sake.
-Learn to do "re-search" on topics of interest like your homework. Learn to use and vary keywords in search engines. Library of Congress subject heading
- You can even search for search engines like “databases of literature on peace studies”
- To search for proper name, enclose in quotations e.g. “Oslo Peace Process”
-Boolean AND NOT OR ( ) “”
-Google.com, books.google.com, and scholar.google.com & http://scholar.google.com
-sci-hub.se & Freefullpdf.com
-Free databases in different fields: http://csulb.libguides.com/freedatabases
e.g. Sociology http://www.ssrn.com/en/ & Anthropology https://aio.equituk.net/
-Free Palestine Books http://palestinereview.com/ebooks.htm?mobify=0
-100 legal sites to download/read books http://www.iheartintelligence.com/2014/08/31/free-books-100-legal-sites-download-literature/
- Arabic Collections Online dlib.nyu.edu/aco
- Bibliography for Artas http://www.palestine-family.net/index.php?nav=8-159&did=8240
- http://www.alkottob.com/
- http://www.palestinedocs.net/
-dlib.nyu.edu/aco
-Database Search Tips http://libguides.mit.edu/database-search
-Teaching Research Methodologies to Professionally Oriented Honors Students http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1181&context=nchchip
Module 2: Reading: Why read? How to read?
-Reading difficult texts https://academicskills.anu.edu.au/resources/handouts/reading-difficult-texts
-Speed reading for graduate students https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keSyw0scQa8
-Interesting exercise in speed reading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPPe7-tusOg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHoVzMDJn94
there are also applications for this like http://accelareader.com/
-How to read literature like a professor
http://www.evergladeshs.org/ourpages/auto/2015/5/28/58122395/How%20to%20Read%20Literature%20Like%20a%20Professor.pdf
-A good online etymology (roots of words) source is http://www.etymonline.com. See also annex below. Compound comes from comes from two Latin words: com, which means “together,” and ponere, which means “to put.” Taken as a whole, the word componere means “putting together.” Atom comes from the Greek word atomos, which means “uncuttable.”
Dictionary of word roots http://mseffie.com/assignments/roots/Dictionary%20of%20Word%20Roots%20&%20Combining%20Forms.pdf
Thesaurus (synonyms and antonyms) http://www.thesaurus.com/
Module 3: Project Creation and Methods Development
(Chapters 23-27 in Somekh and Lewin 2005)
The Foundations of Experimental/Empirical Research Methods
The Positivist Paradigm in Contemporary Social Science Research
Qualititative Methods
https://www.questionpro.com/blog/qualitative-research-methods/
Bowen, GA. Preparing a Qualitative Research-Based Dissertation: Lessons Learned The Qualitative Report 10(2)208-222. http://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1846&context=tqr
Quantitative Methods
Module 4: Writing: Why write? How to write?
https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/research-writing
Free online course in writing: http://ocw.usu.edu/English/introduction-to-writing-academic-prose/index.html
An example of a thesis https://www.wien.gv.at/umweltschutz/nachhaltigkeit/pdf/raderbauer.pdf
-Pamela Richards and Howard S. Becker. 2012. Writing for Social Scientists: How to Start and Finish Your Thesis, Book, or Article. (available at books.google.com)
Writing can range from the kind of writing shown here: http://wearenotnumbers.org/home/Story/132 to highly technical material.
Writing exercises: http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/keene/pdf/KeeneDevEx.pdf
Technical and scientific writing handbook (focused on referencing) https://www.idc-online.com/technical_references/pdfs/information_technology/The_Mayfield_Handbook_of_Technical_and_Scientific_Writing.pdf
Ebest et al. 2000. Writing from A to Z, Mayfield Publishing Company
Wiliam Strunk Jr and E.B. White The Elements of Style. McMillan Publishing
https://faculty.washington.edu/heagerty/Courses/b572/public/StrunkWhite.pdf
How to do a master thesis
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Master%27s-Thesis
https://youtu.be/W8GYoVNSXno
https://www.unk.edu/academics/gradstudies/admissions/grad-files/Grad%20Files/ThesisGdlnsFinal08.pdf
Module 5: Some selected writing methods: Critical Review, Basic research, applied research, surveys, case studies.
By this module you need to give a draft of the project write up.
See sections below on using Dictionaries, Thesaurus, Etymology
Caruth, G.D. 2013 Demystifying Mixed Methods Research Design: A Review of the Literature. Mevlana International Journal of Education (MIJE) 3(2):112-122. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED544121.pdf
Questionnaire Design http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0021/002145/214555E.pdf
Case study design: https://bit.ly/3FEUwpY
Homework: Critique the first three pages of this thesis http://etd.library.vanderbilt.edu/available/etd-04062015-022734/unrestricted/GormanPilgrims.pdf
And pp 30-35 of this https://gupea.ub.gu.se/bitstream/2077/23789/1/gupea_2077_23789_1.pdf
Now contrast and compare methodologies
Module 6: Presenting your research
-Scientific Papers and Presentations By Martha Davis, Kaaron Joann Davis, Marion Dunagan
Interpersonal skills. Respect and listening skills. Professionalism.
Dialogue and conversation
http://www.georgekohlrieser.com/userfiles/file/articles/7.GK_AuthenticDialogue.pdf
Deborah Frieze says its not possible to change big systemswe can only abandon them and start over or offer hospice to whats dying. Change will begin with "localism" -- small, loosely connected circles of interested, imaginative citizens with courage and initiative. Each citizen will matter. How I Became a Localist by Deborah Frieze: TEDxTalk -- December 2015 13 min video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jTdZSPBRRE
David Thunder. Back to Basics: 12 rules for writing a publishable article. PLOS science (PDF sent)
Ethics including transparency, Conflict of interest
Authorship
Module 7: Research presentations
Each student is expected to present final research writing project and for other students to evaluate the writing (critical peer review).
REFERENCES
Butcher, J., 2021. Covid-19, tourism and the advocacy of degrowth. Tourism Recreation Research, 46:1-10.
Collins, A.B., 2002. Are we teaching what we should? Dilemmas and problems in tourism and hotel management education. Tourism Analysis, 7(2):151-163.
Dopp, K.A. 2015. An Interdisciplinary Scientific and Logic Approach to Political and Social Science Research. Available at SSRN http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2389736
Farsari, I., 2021. Exploring the nexus between sustainable tourism governance, resilience and complexity research. Tourism Recreation Research, 46: 1-16.
Hall, D. and Brown, F., 2010. ‘Post-colonialism’, Responsibility and Tourism Academics: Where's the Connection? Tourism Recreation Research, 35(3):291-297.
Hengl, T, M. Goulf,and W. Gerritsma 2012. The Unofficial Guide for Authors: From Research Design to Publication. Wageningen Anhem.
Higgins-Desbiolles, F., 2020. Socialising tourism for social and ecological justice after COVID-19. Tourism Geographies, 22(3), pp.610-623.
Higgins-Desbiolles, F., Carnicelli, S., Krolikowski, C., Wijesinghe, G. and Boluk, K., 2019. Degrowing tourism: rethinking tourism. Journal of Sustainable Tourism. 27(12): 1926-1944
Mihalic, T., 2020. Conceptualising overtourism: a sustainability approach. Annals of Tourism Research, 84, p.103025.
Qumsiyeh, MB. 2004. Sharing the Land of Canaan. Pluto Press,. Available at http://qumsiyeh.org/sharingthelandofcanaan/
Qumsiyeh, MB. 2010. Activist manual (on the web) http://qumsiyeh.org/activistmanual/
Qumsiyeh, MB. 2012. Popular Resistance in Palestine: A history of Hope and Empowerment Pluto Press, London.
Qumsiyeh, MB. 2015. Chapter 4. Evolution of Armed to Unarmed Resistance in Palestine. Pages 77-99 In Nonviolent Resistance and Conflict Transformation. (Editor, Véronique Dudouet), Routlegde, London and New York,
Qumsiyeh, MB. 2015. People’s Resistance in Palestine. Review of “Popular Protest in Palestine: The uncertain future of unarmed resistance” by Marwan Darweish and Andrew Rigby, Pluto Press, London. Journal of Holy Land and Palestine Studies. 14.2: 227–234.
Richards, G., 2018. Cultural tourism: A review of recent research and trends. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 36, pp.12-21.
Szromek, A.R., Hysa, B. and Karasek, A., 2019. The perception of overtourism from the perspective of different generations. Sustainability, 11(24), p.7151.
Tuckman, B. 1965. Development sequence in small groups. Psychology Bulletin. 63. 384 – 389. http://openvce.net/sites/default/files/Tuckman1965DevelopmentalSequence.pdf
Tuckman, B. and Jensen, M.A.C 1977. Stages of small group development revisited. Group & Organisation Studies. 2. 384 – 389 http://www.freewebs.com/group-management/BruceTuckman(1).pdf
Free online courses/course material
(search for them by bolean phrases e.g. free online course in writing)
http://als.csuprojects.org/course_content/social-sciences
http://www.globe-info.org/
http://www.memrise.com/
https://www.coursera.org/
https://www.edx.org/schools
http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/index.htm
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