ENERES 293C
Master's Seminar III - Master's Project Development for Interdisciplinary Analysis, Part 1
This is the third semester of the ERG master’s seminar series. This semester shifts from a focus on intellectual exploration to the design and execution of the master’s project. While some students may have already started their projects through summer research and/or fieldwork experiences, others may be starting fresh. This semester is designed to meet students wherever they are in the process of developing their research. It will also focus on building communication/translation skills and continuing the professional development work started in ENERES 293B.
Topics
- 1. Develop verbal and written communication skills and techniques a. Project pitches b. Peer presentations c. Individual presentations d. Optional presentation to lab group e. Writing workshop f. Written outline of Master’s project 2. Network with people in and outside of the ERG community a. Determine the appropriate scope and focus for a Master’s project b. Begin to plan for a career beyond the Master’s degree 3. Develop project management and leadership skills a. Practice managing and executing a research plan b. Lead discussions on individual research c. Provide constructive feedback on peers’ research d. Ask for specific types of guidance and mentorship from advisors and readers 4. Define the scope of a Master’s project that can answer an interdisciplinary question a. Identify a gap in existing literature and/or a field of research b. Develop a question that is actionable under the timeline of the master’s project c. Bound the project with a defined literature search and analysis 5. Complete the initial steps of the Master’s project a. Read past Master’s projects and identify how to design a research thesis/project b. Work on and continue to refine Master’s project with specific focus on domains, tools, and worldviews c. Identify the form of your research output (e.g. white paper, policy analysis, academic paper, etc.) d. Begin the process of writing the Master’s project deliverable e. Identify and confirm readers by the end of the semester f. Create a written plan for the spring semester to ensure timely completion of the Master’s project
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027