Senior Seminar Notes

Branch Questions Development

  • Begin developing main branch questions for your research project.

    • Each main branch question will have several sub-branch questions.

    • This hierarchical structure helps to organize the inquiry effectively.

Interview Practice Schedule

  • The upcoming Thursday will feature a practical session for interviewing.

    • First interviews will take place in the classroom.

    • The format will be fishbowl style: the instructor will act as the interviewee while the students observe.

    • The duration of these interviews will be intentionally kept brief for efficiency.

    • Initial formalities of starting an interview will be waived to focus on content during practice.

Structure of Paper

  • Discussion towards the end of class on the next section of students' papers: either the policy section or the history section.

    • Most students will be expected to utilize a source that included either a history or policy section as a model for their own work.

Law and Policy Context

  • Example context provided: research on people with disabilities.

    • Important to include a section dedicated to laws addressing disabilities; emphasis on the Americans with Disabilities Act as a significant milestone.

    • Highlight that prior to this act, the legal framework largely ignored the rights of individuals with disabilities.

Historical Context in Research Papers

  • The importance of historical context in shaping research:

    • Example from instructor's own work about the history of racial concepts in the U.S. and how they have evolved in relation to societal challenges.

    • Each paper should have either a historical review or an examination of legal history and policy.

Guidance for Papers

  • Students should determine what works best for their individual papers regarding the inclusion of historical or legal context.

    • It is likely students already possess a roadmap by referencing their sources.

  • Inquiry address: Is anyone unsure if their source included a history or law/policy section?

    • General confidence was expressed that most students have such sections in their sources.

Considerations for Data Types

  • Students analyzing quantitative data may feel at a disadvantage as much of the focused content will be qualitative.

    • Encouragement to seek out qualitative sources, indicating they do not need to be recent, as history and legal policy relevance generally persists over time.

Technical Issues Noted

  • Suggested resolution to potential printing issues: utilize YouTube exchange effectively.

  • Urged students to progress in developing their branch questions to prepare for interviews.