Tools for Reimagining Democracy: Undergraduate Research

• In Event: Preparing Students for New Challenges

Abstract

This paper explores strategies for effectively introducing undergraduate students to research.
The study uses data collected by the author from her undergraduate course HON 3361/INTB 3361 Global Engagement and Research that has been offered as a cross-disciplinary course at the University of Houston since Spring 2011. While many of the students enrolled in the course are undergraduate political science students, the course is open to students pursuing all majors at the University of Houston. The ensuing diversity of academic backgrounds and experiences is an important source of learning for all students in the class.
The paper leverages insights from student evaluations and surveys and instructor observations and subsequent adaptations in the course structure and delivery over the course of 13 years.
The following areas are covered in depth: the learning opportunities provided by exposure to research in the context of an undergraduate education; the importance of breaking down the research process into building blocks and focusing on organizational and time management skills as part of the teaching and learning process; using collaboration and peer evaluation and feedback as part of the learning process.
Political science educators may use insights from this paper to equip their students with tools to learn about democracy, to assess retrenchment in the democratic process, and to engage in renovation and reimagination.

Author

• Andra Olivia Miljanic, University of Houston