SOAN 494 | Research Assistantship

Conducting original, independent research is central to the experience of the Sociology and Anthropology major. This activity credit course pairs a student with a SOAN professor to collaborate on a sociological or anthropological research project in progress. In the capacity of research assistant, the student contributes to the project through tasks that may include interviewing, interview transcription, survey administration, data indexing, data summary, bibliographic research and literature review, data coding, data input, and research briefs. Specific details for each project will be specified in a written proposal prepared by the student and professor and approved by the department chair. The proposal will (a) articulate the nature and aims of the research project; (b) set forth the terms of the work to be undertaken by the student; and (c) identify the desired research skills and objectives to be pursued. At the end of the semester, the student prepares a written summary of the experience, reflecting on skills obtained, challenges faced, knowledge acquired, and experiences gained through the assistantship.