Syllabus: Comparative Sociology Research Practicum
Sociology 259, Winter 2014
Instructor
Evan Schofer schofer@uci .edu Office hours: Thursdays 12:00-1:00 in SSPB 4271 and by appt.
Introduction
Scholarly research is a craft. And, like all crafts, one learns by watching, doing, and getting feedback. Most courses look only at the ‘final product’ – published research that appears in books or top journals. It is critical for students to learn how to shepherd a project from an initial idea, to some empirical explorations, through many drafts, through the editorial review process, and finally to publication. This course offers a setting for students to: 1) observe the process of research at all stages of development; 2) learn to think critically and evaluate research by providing feedback to others (and observe feedback provided by faculty); and 3) get feedback on one’s own work-in-progress. These goals are accomplished via two complementary parts of the course: The first half of each class is devoted to weekly presentations followed by interactive Q&A. The second half is devoted to individualized discussion of ongoing research projects, to provide timely feedback to students on their work-in-progress.
The course focuses substantively on research in the area of comparative sociology and globalization (broadly defined). All students are welcome, but individuals working within those research areas may find the material to be most relevant and beneficial.
The Irvine Comparative Sociology Workshop (ICSW)
This course overlaps with the ICSW, which meets weekly on Fridays from 12-1:30. Workshop attendance is an integral part of the course, and providing exposure to scholarly work and opportunities to present one’s own research. Course readings will be distributed via the ICSW mailing list. To sign up go to the ICSW website or go to the following link:
https://maillists.uci.edu/mailman/listinfo/icsw-info
Readings
Readings will be distributed via the ICSW mailing list. Please complete all readings before class on the week they are assigned.
Schedule
The full schedule of weekly presentations is available on the ICSW website.
Assignments and Evaluation
Participation. The primary benefit of this course comes from attendance and participation in presentations, Q&A, and small-group discussions. Participation counts toward 50% of your final grade.
Individually Defined Research Goals. The course functions partly like an independent study, except that we will work in groups to help develop your research projects. I will work individually with you to choose some realistic research goals (appropriate to your degree of experience and the extent of your ongoing research activities) at the start of the quarter. Progress on your independent research goals constitutes 50% of your final grade.
Your final grade will be computed based on the percentage weightings indicated. In the event of a borderline grade, I may use my discretion in adjusting grades based on course participation, improvement, and effort (or lack thereof). Incompletes will not be given, except in unusual circumstances.