TheDirected Research in Social Sciences FSS 4150 is a three credit elective course. This course is an excellent opportunity for undergraduate students to participate, individually or in a small group, in the activities of an ongoing research under the supervision of a professor of the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Directed Research opportunities are offered every semester. The course offer for the chosen semester is posted at the beginning of the previous semester.

FSS 4150 Course objectives

The research activities aim to:

• enrich the university experience and increase engagement in learning;
• enjoy direct supervision with a faculty member;
• clarify career goals and gain practical experience in the field of study;
• enhance the interests and autonomy for higher education;
• increase knowledge of research methodologies and processes;
• become aware of the knowledge limitations inherent in any social sciences research;
• learn about scientific communication.

Eligibility and evaluation criteria

3^rd year students with 51 credits and a GPA of 9.0 will be able to apply for the course FSS 4150.

Only students enrolled in their 4^th year of a specialized program of study at the Faculty of Social Sciences and meeting the following eligibility criteria are eligible. Please note that the selection process takes place in two parts: the first selection round is made by the Faculty according to the basic eligibility criteria, and the final selection is completed by the professor responsible for the chosen directed research.

Basic eligibility criteria

• Have completed at least 81 credits.
• Have a grade point average (CGPA) of at least 8.0.
• FSS4150 may be repeated if theme is different.

Additional evaluation criteria

• Description of the research project and its relevance for your program of study and your career objectives;
• Letter of motivation: language quality, clarity and coherence;

Only applications accepted by the Faculty and the professor will receive by e-mail an official confirmation of acceptance. We strongly encourage you to register to another course pending on your official notification. You will be able to modify your registration within the applicable deadlines.

Application process

To submit an application for a directed research, you need to complete the following steps:

• Fill out the application form (pdf), clearly mentioning the chosen directed research.
• Write (on the form) a 200-word essay that shows how your participation in this research would enhance your student experience, support your professional development and fit into your career plan.
• Send the form to [email protected] the deadline applicable to the chosen semester.
• Wait for the official confirmation of acceptance by the Faculty. Number of places available in the directed research courses is limited, and your academic progress will be reviewed.

IMPORTANT: Sending the application form does not mean that you will be accepted. If your application is approved by the Faculty (according to the basic eligibility criteria), it will be sent to the professor responsible for the chosen course. He/she will do the final selection. If you are selected, you will need to do the following:

• Change your course registration by using the modification of registration form, which you will need to submit to [email protected].
• Communicate as soon as possible with your professor to arrange your research activities and work schedule.
• Notify us at [email protected], within the given deadlines, if you decide to withdraw from this course.

Note that you will not receive a schedule for this course, and it will not appear on Brightspace. Your schedule of research activities will be decided in collaboration with your professor.

Evaluation methods

According to the university regulations, this course requires a minimum of two evaluations in line with professor's guidelines and course outline. Work schedule as well as research activities shall be confirmed with the professor for a minimum of 120 to 150 hours.

All regulations and deadlines governing progress at the University apply in this case.

For each final grade, an amount of $250 will be provided to the research fund of the professor.