International Research Course (IRC)
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.
Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Exhibit basic research skills, including those required for research design, execution, and report writing.
- Demonstrate decision-making and problem solving skills associated with conducting independent research.
- Speak clearly and confidently about their own research.
- Gain expertise of a particular topic within their field of study.
Method
Conducting research, unlike some other forms of learning, is highly individual and can be very challenging. However, despite the individual nature of much of the research process, it is critical that students have a firm foundation in the basic concepts and tools of research. The research process is enriched by the feedback provided by fellow students, and small group approaches can emulate the ‘real world’ in which researchers often work in teams or seek insights from colleagues. Initially, the course will employ some lecture and discussion of readings and examples of research at the early stages. Secondly, as students begin to design and carry out their research, some small group class activities will allow students to talk through experiences and challenges of the research. Thirdly, individual tutorials will provide individual support and advice for students as they move through the project.
Materials
Students need exposure to examples of real research to guide them in their understanding of the research process. Varied examples of research across methods and fields will be employed in the classroom. Further, sample topics and research questions will be presented and discussed. Readings will be assigned in the early stages of the course.
Assessment
1. (30%) Research record
Students will complete a research record as they progress through the course and their project. This assessment tool is meant to record the student’s reasoning with regard to decisions made and challenges overcome, and will demonstrate the student’s understanding of the core concepts of research. This will be a guided process in which students will be asked a set of key questions to reflect upon as they make record entries.
2. (50%) Research project
a. Proposal: Students will write a research proposal for approval. Students will be provided a proposal guide, setting out all the required components of the proposal.
b. Final written report: A report guide will assist students in organizing their written report in the required sections. A research rubric will present the expectations for grading.
3. (10%) Presentation
Dissemination is a critical component of research. Students will present their projects and be subject to questions from staff and students. Grading is based on clarity of presentation, structure, depth of analysis and use of visual materials (where appropriate).