Students will use published, scholarly research and, where appropriate, narrative accounts, to write a research paper according to the standards and conventions of the social scientific discipline of Sociology, thereby learning
• critical thinking, reading, and reflection
• social scientific research and writing
• library research skills
• to distinguish between scholarly and non-scholarly sources
• to critically evaluate the relevance of sources for research papers
• to develop a cogent, logical, and organized discussion of a topic
• to develop an intersectional analysis that incorporates “indigenized” scholarship
• to apply the ASA method of citation
• to develop and present a reference list
• to develop an awareness and understanding of ethical scientific practice through full and open disclosure of sources of information in research
STEP 1: Learning to Collect, Analyze, and Synthesize Secondary Data
In-class engagement exercises and assignments will help students develop capacity for undertaking social scientific writing and research. Students will attend an orientation to KPU’s library collections, databases, and other sources of information that are most relevant to sociology students. A librarian will provide an interactive lecture and assignment to allow students to learn and apply research skills. Effective use of academic libraries is essential for every social scientist. Librarians are our guides and allies in this aspect of the research process.
Students should come with relevant questions and be prepared to complete a short library assignment that will allow students to gauge the effectiveness of their library research skills.
STEP 2: Choosing a Topic
Your research topic must:
• be sociological and appropriate in scope and breadth
• move beyond mere description to provide analysis of the central concern
• be developed into a clear research question to guide the research process and ensure that you have a logical and cohesive argument to advance in your paper
• be presented as a clear thesis statement in the introduction of your paper
As Canada is currently engaged in the process of “reconciliation” (see instructions for group project) students will be focusing on residential schools and the reconciliation process for their research projects. Students may choose to research the same or related topic as that chosen by their group. Students may choose a topic from the following list:
• What have been the social effects of the residential school system for Aboriginal children on the survivors? Their families? Their nations? Aboriginal peoples as a whole? (choose each one as a separate question)
• What have been the social effects of colonization on Aboriginal peoples?
• What kinds of gender roles were taught and modeled in residential schools?
• What were the social effects of residential schools on Indigenous patterns of gender roles?
• What is the relationship between residential schools and violence against Native women today?
• What have been the long term social effects of physical and sexual abuse on children in residential schools?
• Analyze the history of Indigenous peoples’ mobilization against colonization by Canada
• What is the relationship between victimization in residential schools and social problems faced by survivors today?
• What social factors explain why most Canadians don’t know about the residential school system for Aboriginal children?
• What social factors led to the creation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Canada)?
• What are the major social problems faced by Aboriginal residential school survivors today?
• What are Indigenous land rights and why are they central to understanding Canadian society?