USP 186: Senior Sequence Research Proposal
Introduces students to the theory and practice of social research including the challenges of writing a scholarly proposal. Students gain internship experience while critically examining the relations between social science and society.
Fall 2011
USP 187: Senior Sequence Research Project
An intensive research, writing and internship experience that culminates in an original Senior Research Project (SRP). Students learn about the theoretical, ethical and technical challenges of engaged scholarly research and publication.
Winter 2012
Senior Sequence Class of 2012
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Description: All students majoring in Urban Studies and Planning must complete the Senior Sequence during their senior year. The Sequence is made up of two classes including USP 186: Senior Sequence Research Proposal in the fall quarter, and USP 187: Senior Sequence Research Project in the winter quarter. Each student also completes 100 hours of service learning in an internship placement of their own choosing. Over this six-month journey (September to March), students learn how to: (1) critically review research literature, (2) formulate interesting, theoretically-informed research questions of their own, (3) write a research proposal with an original topic and investigative strategy , (4) conduct research individually and as part of student-mentor research teams, and (5) analyze, interpret, and write-up findings. The final requirement of the Sequence is a Senior Research Project (SRP). Students share the findings of their SRP in the form of poster board presentations and multimedia at USP’s annual Urban Expo in mid-March.
Beside basic instruction in research methods, the lecture component of USP 186 and USP 187 is designed to provide students with a framework in which they may critically examine ethical and professional aspects of scholarly research and service learning. The full set of skills we aim to sharpen in the Senior Sequence is listed in the table below:
| Conceptual | creating examined conceptualizations of select objects of study–i.e., theory-building |
| Philosophical | becoming critically self-aware of your normative perspectives (calling into view ethics and the philosophy of social science) |
| Methodological | applying investigative strategies to address scholarly questions |
| Analytical | unpacking a whole into its component parts; examining a complex object, its elements, and interdependences |
| Communicative | building, supporting, and presenting an evidence-based position or argument |
| Writing | producing a clearly written research proposal and well-documented thesis |
| Collaborative | learning to be a good team member, listening to learn, creating and sustaining mutually reinforcing relationships in the co-production of knowledge |
Class News & Updates
- Where do I put my poster? Posted by Keith on 03/14 at 01:01 AM
- Urban Expo Evite link you can share Posted by Keith on 03/13 at 10:24 PM
- Are you having trouble uploading your video to Vimeo? Read this! Posted by Keith on 03/11 at 10:49 AM
- Vimeo Uploading Guidelines Posted by Keith on 03/11 at 09:29 AM
Research & Action Highlights
- Win an award for your paper on transportation planning or policy issues Posted by Keith on 02/14 at 02:20 AM
- Internship Program for Diversity in Rural Nonprofit Housing and Community Development in California Posted by Keith on 02/11 at 01:46 AM
- San Diego Section, American Planning Association Posted by Keith on 01/29 at 04:50 PM
- Commercial & Imperial Corridor Master Plan, Community Workshop #2 Posted by Keith on 01/27 at 05:32 PM
Research & Grand Challenges
Browse all Research & Grand Challenge posts by Areas of Concentration. click here
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