Sections
Gaining Experience
Research
Conducting research allows you to develop a deeper understanding of a particular issue such as development, globalization, or the cultural and political dynamics of a specific world region. Developing research skills during your time at UIUC will improve your ability to gather, organize and synthesize complex data for use in your future academic and career undertakings. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, Global Studies majors are particularly well suited to undertake research tasks that require or benefit from regional specialization, multiple language skills, social-scientific analysis and an awareness of global issues. Having a strong set of research credentials will open many employment options for you after graduation and are essential for further educational opportunities such as graduate or professional programs.
Research experience is extremely important for students interested in graduate school. Through research projects, you can explore potential areas of specialization in far greater depth than is possible through most coursework. Graduate school applications require you to provide a statement of purpose and a writing sample. A discussion of relevant research can significantly improve a statement of purpose. Moreover, a selection from a completed research project is an ideal writing sample. Research is also an opportunity to work closely with faculty and benefit from their expertise. Working with a faculty member on an independent research project, for example, not only allows you to draw on their knowledge in completing your project but also helps you to develop a relationship with an academic mentor who can offer insight into your areas of interest and provide advice for your future endeavors.
Additionally, many organizations, institutions and businesses are interested in applicants who have completed research relevant to a particular mission or focus. Potential employers seek qualified applicants with the ability to understand and undertake research at a high level. Private companies utilize research skills to determine market opportunities and to track their global operations. NGOs, IGOs, and non-profits utilize research skills to attract funding and to document their work. Government jobs use data and analysis to evaluate and plan their policies and activities. Most employers are willing to pay a premium for research skills because it is such a necessary component of their day-to-day operations. Regardless of the position for which you are applying, your relevant research experience should be noted on your resume, discussed in your cover letter and referenced as appropriate during your interview.
Research in the Global Studies Major
In order to help prepare you for life after graduation, Global Studies offers two research methods courses (GLBL 494 and 495) and includes applied research elements in our gateway courses such as GLBL 100. It is also highly recommended that you use statistics courses to complete your quantitative reasoning general education coursework to develop these skills.
In addition to taking research methods courses, a good way to build and demonstrate your research skills is to undertake a Distinction Project. Global Studies students typically complete research projects to fulfill a Distinction Project, an independent study, or as part of a regular course. These projects can be submitted for conferences (including the UIUC Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium), publication in journals, and can be used as a writing sample for applications for educational or career opportunities.
Students who are interested in academic professions and are from under-represented groups, including first generation college students and students from low-income families (regardless or race or ethnicity), are encouraged to look into the McNair Scholars Program, coordinated by Office of Minority Student Affairs and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation's Summer Research Opportunities Program.
No matter what your research interests may be, you are welcome to meet with an Global Studies advisor to discuss the possibilities and procedures.
GLBL 494 Research Methods I
GLBL 494 provides students the opportunity to step back from the whirlwind of lectures to spend time thinking about and exploring their own research interests. Students who research a topic related to their thematic area can count this course towards that requirement. The goal of this class is the production of a well-researched and grounded research proposal that will guide you to the completion of your project. The components of this proposal include: generation of a research question and testable hypotheses, a review of the relevant literature on your topic, identification of data required for hypothesis testing, selection and description of your methodology, and a timeline for completion. This proposal can be used to launch your Distinction Project for the major.
It is recommended that you link your project to your study abroad experience if possible, as your time abroad presents a unique opportunity to collect data through observation, interviews, and access to archives and datasets. Therefore, we suggest taking this course prior to your study abroad. There are no pre-requisites, but we do recommend that you have at least second-semester sophomore standing and a specific research focus identified before registering.
This is a full-semester, three credit course and is capped at 20 students per semester. GLBL 494 or an approved substitute is required for Distinction Projects.
GLBL 495 Research Methods II
GLBL 495 is a research writing seminar to support the completion of your proposal from GLBL 494. You should have completed data collection and analysis and be in the final write-up phase prior to taking this course. The goal of this course is to support you in finishing your research project with a focus on improving academic writing skills, conducting data analysis, and developing tools for presenting your results in written and conference formats.
This is an eight-week, one credit course and is capped at 20 students. It is optional (although highly recommended) for Distinction Projects.
