Type of course

Obligatory prerequisites

Course content

The GENI Applied Research Project is a largely independent research-based course that builds on the research proposal and brief literature review completed in the "GENI Research Methods and Indigenous Research Ethics" course.

In cooperation with the course instructor, and possibly an academic supervisor, students negotiate a memorandum of understanding with a host supervisor. Relevant hosts are generally intended to be non-academic in focus, and might include businesses, government bodies, non-governmental organizations, or other bodies in Northern and Indigenous areas.

The research project must have academic merit but also serve the needs of the host. In most cases, the methodology will consist of a knowledge synthesis; a case study; a program evaluation; a feasibility study; a needs assessment; or some combination of the above.

A final draft is submitted to the host for review and then a final report is submitted for academic assessment.

Objectives of the course

The Applied Research Project sharpens students’ research skills. It provides professional experience working with industry, government, indigenous organizations and institutions, and other organizations and stakeholders. It fosters students’ professional networks and illustrates a positive research relationship by serving the research needs of northern community organizations and other stakeholders.

The students have the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

The student has:

• a deeper knowledge of at least one particular theme of the program
• an understanding of the potential challenges and benefits of merging academic and applied research
• substantial knowledge of their host institution and the surrounding professional network

Skills

The student is able to / can:

• collaborate and communicate effectively with different stakeholders
• select appropriate research methods to meet a specific research requirement, in consideration of time limitations
• gather research data, largely or wholly independently
• integrate research data from different sources into a cohesive report

Competence

The student can:

• develop a research plan suitable to both academic and institutional stakeholders
• produce a research report that is acceptable both to an academic and non-academic audience

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Largely independent student research. The course contains no lectures or reading seminars. Students gain knowledge through meetings with the course instructor and their academic and host supervisors, and through feedback on their draft reports.

The course is offered in an extended spring semester (January-July).

The course includes practice through a largely independent research project.