Research & Writing Workshop

All International and Public Affairs concentrators are strongly encouraged to take the two-day Research & Writing Workshop in the fall of their junior year, or if possible, in the spring of sophomore year. This essential workshop helps students understand the expectations and process for successfully completing senior theses and capstone projects. It is critical that this understanding come early at the student’s progression through the concentration, rather than toward the end. The workshop is extremely important for informing students’ decisions on doing a thesis versus a capstone, encourages early thinking about potential thesis topics, and establishes clear expectations and timelines regarding the thesis process. Topics covered include: what constitutes a researchable question, how to think about evidence and data, the basics of thinking through research design, the timeline for developing a question and a prospectus, and the writing process, from draft to final product. The workshop is offered on an optional, not-for-credit basis.