Call for applications Workshop on Alternative Research Methodologies

The South-South exchange program for research on the history of development

Southeast Asian Studies Regional Exchange Program (SEASREP) Foundation

Organized by the SEASREP Foundation, supported by Sephis
17-28 October 2011

The fifth SEASREP-Sephis training workshop on Alternative Research Methodologies will take place in the Philippines on 17-28 October 2011. The workshop aims to provide PhD students from the South an opportunity to strengthen the theoretical and methodological quality of their work under the guidance of experienced researchers from the South. Two weeks of lectures and discussions, knowledge building, and individual tutorials on research proposals will enable the participants to redesign their research project, improve their proposal and enhance their research capabilities.

Workshop Program
The workshop will consist of two parts: the lecture and discussion portion, and the revision of research proposals.
The lectures will focus on two methods: rereading the archives, and orality and oral techniques. Readings determined by the lecturers will be sent to participants ahead of the workshop to maximize the time for discussion. Participants will submit brief reaction papers to the readings a month prior to the workshop, for distribution and discussion during the workshop proper. The lecturers may divide the participants into groups or assign individual participants to lead the discussion. Discussions are envisioned to be open and free, as participants are expected to examine the readings in light of their own situation and research experiences, share their insights, and draw out comparisons across countries and regions in the South.
The second part of the workshop will begin with a presentation by participants of their preliminary proposals in order to solicit comments from lecturers and co-participants that will help them improve their proposals. The presentation will be followed by individual tutorial sessions in which experienced researchers will comment on the participants’ PhD proposals. Participants will then be given two days to revise their proposals.
The workshop will conclude with a presentation by the participants of their revised proposals, with a commentator assigned to each panel of participants.
The workshop will be conducted in English; readings will also be in English.

Eligibility
PhD students from the South in the field of Social Sciences or History, who are in the process of formulating their dissertation proposals, and who are registered in universities in the South, may apply. Priority will be given to applicants who have not taken part in any Sephis workshop and have not received a Sephis grant. Students in an advanced stage of dissertation research are also not eligible.

Travel Grants
The grant will provide for the participants’ airfare, accommodation, readings, modest stipend, and local excursions. Snacks and lunch will be provided during the workshop proper and meals during the excursion.

Expectations of Participants
The workshop presents an excellent opportunity to benefit from the knowledge shared by experts in the field as well as to meet and learn from PhD students from other parts of the South. Participants are thus expected to use this opportunity as much as they can, to read the materials, engage in the discussions, and improve their research proposals.
1. Participants will write one to two pages of comments on the readings and email their reaction papers to the lecturer concerned and to SEASREP. Grant funds will be remitted by SEASREP upon receipt of the reaction papers.
2. Participants will present their preliminary research proposals early in the workshop, improve their proposals, and present the revised proposals on the last day.

Application Procedure
Interested PhD students need to submit:
1. Curriculum vitae
2. Application form (download from www.seasrepfoundation.org)
3. Brief research proposal (background, main thesis and objectives, scope and limitations, brief review of primary literature, and potential contribution of the study)
4. Scanned letter certifying registration in a doctoral program at a university in the South and the stage of the program the student is at
5. Scanned recommendation of the thesis adviser
Applications must be written in English and submitted by email no later than 15 June 2011 to the SEASREP Foundation at methods@seasrepfoundation.org. A selection committee will review the applications and notices of acceptance will be sent out by email at the end of July.

Inquiries
SEASREP Foundation
Unit 612/613 Residencia de Regina
94 Xavierville Avenue
Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108
Philippines
Tel. +63-2-709 08 54 Fax: +63-2-709 08 91
Email: methods@seasrepfoundation.org Website: www.seasrepfoundation.org