PO 690

Research Practicum

Research Practicum gives students the opportunity to participate in and contribute to a research project in a government, business or non-profit agency. The course combines participation in a research project with in-class seminars and online exercises. Students become part of the research team, while applying the research skills and knowledge from their political science courses to real-world work problems. Students learn that research is not only a university-based activity. Governments, political advocacy organizations, social research councils, social service delivery organizations, think-tanks and policy institutes all research independently or with academics. Through research, they evaluate the effectiveness of government programs; analyze and develop new policies; engage in evidence-based public lobbying; and conduct surveys. The course prepares students to contribute both to the workforce and to their community.