What is Guided Research?

Guided Research is a course offered from time to time by faculty who see the opportunity to involve students in their own research projects. Sometimes faculty see this opportunity in advance and announce their intention to offer such a course (for example, at the Program Planning meeting). Other times the course emerges from a student taking the initiative to ask individual faculty members if their research affords any such opportunities. In either case, the particular requirements for the course must be agreed in writing and approved by the Department Chair. In some cases, the course may be acceptable for major credit as an upper level elective.

Here is the formal description of the course:

ECO BC3098 Guided Research in Economics provides an opportunity for hands-on learning by participating in a faculty-designed research project. The student will (1) receive instruction on the techniques and tools necessary for academic research, and 2) immediately apply this knowledge to a well-defined research project. This course is excellent preparation for further independent study or research. Regular conferences with the instructor and a comprehensive research journal are required.