Substantial Research Paper

Catalog description

Substantial Research Paper (3) This course supports students as they complete their substantial research paper (SRP), a student research project that culminates in a final paper. The student works with the course instructor and a faculty advisor to develop a research question, identify and summarize the relevant scholarly and policy literature as well as gaps in the literature, develop a research design to answer the question, identify or collect and then analyze data, and provide a written paper summarizing all these steps plus the results of their study. The overall project assesses the student's mastery of relevant bodies of literature, selection of cases and other elements of research design, and the quality of analysis and writing. Method and topic are open, but the research project is in conversation with significant debates in international studies. The course provides a structure to support students as they complete their independent research projects, including instruction and guidance on research process and project management, established deadlines, and consistent faculty and peer feedback on drafts. Usually Offered: fall and spring. Grading: IP-eligible. Permission: SIS Graduate Advising Office.