Description
Objective 1: The aims of this course are to improve students’ ability to develop thoughtful, interesting, and well-designed research projects, and
Objective 2: To improve students’ skills in persuasively presenting the ideas behind, as well as the findings resulting from, their research.
Content: The course is divided into two parts, brought together by students’ work on the core course assignment—a brief policy paper.
Research Design and Writing
In this component of the course, students will work with their instructors and classmates to develop compelling research questions, devise sound schemes for conducting the research necessary to answer those questions, and, ultimately, follow through with the research itself.
Presenting
In the presentation component of the course, participants will acquire the skills required to give a talk in front of a critical audience. Each participant will give a presentation, followed by a group discussion on the contents of that presentation. The participant will then receive individual feedback on the basis of a video recording of his or her presentation.
Method of Instruction
The course applies a method of instruction known as “flipping the classroom.” Students will be expected to watch a short video lecture before attending most class session. Classroom time will then be dedicated to interactive activities.
Examination
Course grades will be based on several short written assignments, the final policy paper, and final group presentation.
Registration
See preliminary info