Course Description
Students are involved as apprentices in research, creative, or publishing projects that are related to their interests in ACS. While most practicum positions will be on-campus, some may be off-campus. Students are individually matched with and supervised by a faculty member or other professional mentor. Practicum activities vary depending on the research program focus but generally involve hands-on engagement in the key steps of research from conception to production. Students receive guidance in developing their reading, research, and methodological skills and participate in meetings. Students prepare brief reports, including a final practicum report. As part of their class activity, students engage in a range of research and professional skills enhancement activists. The course may also involve guest speakers representing the profession.
Course Objectives
- To learn about the theories, methods and research tools used in ACS;
- To learn about the running and functioning of a research centre, research program, or a community project, or to take a lead role in a new project under faculty supervision;
- To learn about an annotated bibliography, curriculum vitae, grant application, and synthesis of a scholarly article;
- To assist with research or creative or publishing projects currently underway in a research group or program;
- To work collaboratively with graduate students, RAs, interns, and a research supervisor;
- To gain professional skills related to advanced research and training in ACS;
- To gain professional skills in research communication including oral and written reports;
- To participate in an independent research study (optional);
- To practice critical thinking and academic writing.
