Research, Writing, and Speaking in the Disciplines

Catalog description

A course for students who want to better understand how the research they conduct in coursework for their majors relates to the communication of that research, whether in the mode of theses, research papers or reports, panel or poster presentations, or grant proposals. This class will explore how good research practices inform good critical writing, and vice-versa. Course materials are determined in part by the interests and academic concentrations of enrolled students as well as research writing guides and foundational works on research history. While we will explore important academic forms, such as Literature Reviews, Annotated Bibliographies, Empirical Reports, Theses, and Grant Proposals, special attention will be given to underlying skills, such as articulating research problems, formulating thoughtful interpretive arguments, and situating one's project in context of the current literature. Students awarded—or planning to seek—a Dean's Undergraduate Research Fund (DURF) grant or who will be presenting in the CAS Undergraduate Research Conference are especially encouraged to enroll.