This course is designed to help you learn and apply research methods and practices to address a real-world topic of your choosing.

Over the course of two terms you will design, plan, and conduct a college-level, research-based investigation to address a research question of interest to you.

The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation, with an oral defense; during which you will answer 3-4 questions from a panel of evaluators.

You will also be required to document your processes and curate the artifacts of the development of your scholarly work in a portfolio.

The requirements for your Academic Paper are that it:

o Introduces and contextualizes the research question and initial student assumptions and/or hypotheses
o Reviews previous work in the field to synthesize information and a range of perspectives related to the research question (e.g., Literature Review)
o Identifies the gap in the current field of knowledge to be addressed
o Explains and provides justification for the chosen method, process, or approach
o Presents the findings, evidence, results, or product
o Interprets the significance of the findings, results, or product; explores connections to original research question
o Discusses the implications and limitations of the research or creative work
o Reflects on the process and how this project could impact the field
o Discusses possible next steps and/or future directions
o Provides a complete list of sources cited and consulted in the appropriate disciplinary style


Presentation and Oral Defense

All students will develop a 15–20-minute presentation (using appropriate media) and deliver it to an oral defense panel. Students may choose any appropriate format for their presentation, as long as the presentation reflects the depth of their research.

The defense will include three to four questions from a panel consisting of myself, and two additional panel members (chosen at my discretion).

It is important that you choose what topic you would like to research now. It can change over the course of they year, but it is key that you start working on this project from the beginning. The bulk of our time in class will be looking at the research process, and the formation of argument, so you should be prepared to do most of your research in your own time. Due to the long-term nature of this course, effective time management is crucial. You should schedule 3-5 hours a week to read and write for this course.

It is important that you choose what topic you would like to research now. It can change over the course of the year, but it is key that you start working on this project from the beginning. The bulk of our time in class will be looking at the research process, and the formation of argument, so you should be prepared to do most of your research in your own time. Due to the long-term nature of this course, effective time management is crucial. You should schedule 3-5 hours a week to read and write for this course.