Introduction to Research Scholarship

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This course provides students a high-level introduction to (i) the academic research process, from idea generation and hypothesis development to data collection, research design, and inference assessment, (ii) the purpose and value of research to the University and society as a whole, (iii) how to read and assess academic research papers, (iv) the types of academic research conducted both within and across Mendoza departments, (v) life as a researcher across each department, including career possibilities and expectations, and (vi) various opportunities, paths, and resources available for students interested in engaging in research at Mendoza. The course will be heavily discussion-based, and is intended for a small group of highly curious students to engage in dialogue with faculty and students from across (and even a few outside) Mendoza regarding academic research. This is an elective course that is open to all Mendoza sophomores, juniors, and seniors. As a discussion-based curriculum, the course will have no exams, and will be graded on a pass/fail basis. Assessment will be based on participation and several required written assignments given throughout the semester. The course was developed to provide interested students a better understanding of the academic research function to determine to what extent they would like to engage in research in the future, whether it be to better prepare for an academic career, enhance their critical thinking skills, or just become better consumers of research in their profession. For those interested in the Mendoza Research Honors Program, this course serves as an initial required course for admittance. This course will be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory.