First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-1)

Topic

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Preparatio

Instructors

Zachary Alan Nissen

Meeting Info

2001 Sheridan Anthro Lab 1325: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course is designed to prepare first-year undergraduates for summer research in the social sciences and humanities. Through coursework, faculty mentorship, peer collaboration, and hands-on activities, students will learn the foundational principles of research design, interdisciplinary proposal writing, and ethical research. Students will engage in activities aimed at identifying research interests, conducting literature reviews, and identifying sources of data. Students will also explore the impact of social identity on research methods and the interpretation of findings. This preparation will equip students with the skills needed to communicate their research ideas informally with peers/mentors and via a formal proposal to conduct a summer project. At the end of the quarter, students will submit a Summer Undergraduate Research Grant proposal to the Arch Scholars Program for summer funding consideration. The course fulfills the writing seminar requirement and is restricted to first-year students in Weinberg College. Priority enrollment will be given to students from the Arch Scholars Program.

Registration Requirements

WCAS first-year students only

Learning Objectives

 Craft a compelling research proposal suitable for undergraduate research funding.
 Develop the foundations of a research topic in the Social Sciences or Humanities and the ability to communicate why a problem or question is worthy of scholarly investigation.
 Build a preliminary network of researchers and faculty at NU across the social sciences and humanities.
 Hone core skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and research design.
 Foster an awareness of the relationship between identity, society, and research.

Class Materials (Required)

Class readings and assignments will be posted to canvas.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required