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Global Futures: Research & Discovery
2009 Spring Semester - Course Description
International Research Course - Humanities
CEA Partner Institution: Foundation for International Education
Location: London, EnglandPrimary Subject Area: Humanities
Level(s): 300
Instruction in: English
Recommended Semester Credits: 3
Contact Hours: 42
Description
The International Research Course (IRC) is a course designed for undergraduate students in the social sciences, business and humanities. Students will be introduced to core research concepts and will develop research skills through designing, executing, writing and presenting their own research project. The framework for the project will be the case study, chosen from a selection of topics. This approach provides a focused way for students to view a phenomenon and apply a set of methods, including ethnographic observation, in-depth interviewing and document review. The case study is applicable across many fields and pays particular attention to the context in which the phenomenon in question operates. The topics that students will explore will be consistent with their own individual interests but will exploit the overseas experience. Topics will center on British cultural, historical, political, or contemporary contexts and may have a comparative dimension.
The very essence of study abroad is that of learning through experience; that is, learning by doing, observing and reflecting. Hence, the involvement of an undergraduate study abroad student in an individual research project is a means of enhancing their academic program while abroad, emphasizing independent learning and thinking, decision-making, and problem solving, as well as engagement in the host culture and community. It will provide students a sense of ownership over their academic work, requiring students to justify their thought processes and actions over the course of the project. At the same time, the foundation in the tools of research will benefit students as they undertake their undergraduate thesis, graduate studies, or as they move into the world of work.
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