USP 186: Senior Sequence Research Proposal
Introduces students to the theory and practice of social research including the challenges of writing a scholarly proposal. Students gain internship experience while critically examining the relations between social science and society.
Fall 2008
USP 187: Senior Sequence Research Project
An intensive research, writing and internship experience that culminates in an original Senior Research Project (SRP). Students learn about the theoretical, ethical and technical challenges of scholarly research and publication.
Winter 2009
About the Senior Sequence
Description: All students majoring in Urban Studies and Planning must complete the Senior Sequence during their senior year. The Sequence is made up of two classes including USP 186: Senior Sequence Research Proposal in the fall quarter, and USP 187: Senior Sequence Research Project in the winter quarter. Each student also completes 100 hours of service learning in an internship placement of their own choosing. Over this six-month journey (September to March), students learn how to: (1) critically review research literature, (2) formulate interesting, theoretically-informed research questions of their own, (3) write a research proposal with an original topic and investigative strategy , (4) conduct research individually and as part of student-mentor research teams, and (5) analyze, interpret, and write-up findings. The final requirement of the Sequence is a Senior Research Project (SRP). Students share the findings of their SRP in the form of poster board presentations and multimedia at USP’s annual Urban Expo in mid-March.
Beside basic instruction in research methods, the lecture component of USP 186 and USP 187 is designed to provide students with a framework in which they may critically examine ethical and professional aspects of scholarly research and service learning. The full set of skills we aim to sharpen in the Senior Sequence is listed in the table below:
| Conceptual | creating examined conceptualizations of select objects of study–i.e., theory-building |
| Philosophical | becoming critically self-aware of your normative perspectives (calling into view ethics and the philosophy of social science) |
| Methodological | applying investigative strategies to address scholarly questions |
| Analytical | unpacking a whole into its component parts; examining a complex object, its elements, and interdependences |
| Communicative | building, supporting, and presenting an evidence-based position or argument |
| Writing | producing a clearly written research proposal and well-documented thesis |
| Collaborative | learning to be a good team member, listening to learn, creating and sustaining mutually reinforcing relationships in the co-production of knowledge |
Class News & Updates
- GIS Day Special Event (GPS-to-GIS Scavenger Hunt)
Published on: November 12th, 2008 - Planners’ Night Out! - November 5, 2008
Published on: November 4th, 2008 - SSB 139,140 Social Sciences PC Lab
Published on: November 2nd, 2008
Important Dates & Events
- GIS Day Special Event (GPS-to-GIS Scavenger Hunt)
Published on: November 12th, 2008 - San Diego’s Growing Pains: Preservation and Sustainable Development
Published on: November 11th, 2008 - GIS Day Events
Published on: November 11th, 2008
Research & Grand Challenges
- Call for Abstracts: Housing Policy Debate
Published on: November 16th, 2008 - National Research Council Report on Urban Stormwater
Published on: November 11th, 2008 - San Diego’s Growing Pains: Preservation and Sustainable Development
Published on: November 11th, 2008
Browse all Research & Grand Challenge posts by Areas of Concentration. click here
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