LATS 315
Research Design in Geography: Social Science Perspectives Spring 2024
Division II Writing Skills

Class Details

How do you design a research project? Which methods of data collection and analysis are appropriate for research questions in Latinx Studies? This course provides an introduction to the process of designing and carrying out a research project, including related to Latinidades, or a plurality of Latinx identities. It introduces students to how social science knowledge is produced to understand the research process, how research emerges, and how we affect research. Course objectives for students are: 1) to design social science research effectively; 2) to critically evaluate the research design of others; 3) to strengthen their academic research and writing skills; and 4) to develop an appreciation for how knowledge is acquired, organized, and communicated. Students will iteratively develop an original research proposal involving several pieces of synthesis. Through applying different research methods to case studies in Latinx Studies, students will understand that the complexity of the issues affecting Latinx communities requires thoughtful research. Students will receive practical training in research protocols, organization methods, project management, and analytical approaches.
The Class: Format: seminar; This class will have short lectures with most of the time dedicated to group discussions. Students should expect to carry out research methods outside of class.
Limit: 19
Expected: 12
Class#: 3218
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: Class participation. Assignments where students carry out research methods. Five writing assignments of various page lengths (1-10 pgs) compose students' research proposal project. Each component of the project will be revised by students after professor feedback. These revisions will culminate into a final paper (~20 pages). There will be a final exam.
Prerequisites: N/A
Enrollment Preferences: LATS concentrators or those intending to become LATS concentrators; juniors interested in a senior honors thesis.
Distributions: Division II Writing Skills
WS Notes: Students will have five writing assignments that build upon each other, from the statement of research topic, initial research questions, annotated bib, draft lit review, and proposed methodology. Students receive critical feedback on grammar, style, and argument and submit revised versions of their assignments. Students submit a completed research project proposal as their final paper.
Attributes: LATS Core Electives

Class Grid

Updated 4:30 am

Course Catalog Search


(searches Title and Course Description only)
TERM




SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)