So, you want to conduct sociological research?
You came to the right place! Undergraduate research and/or independent study courses can be rewarding for both students and professors and I am excited to help you find your research path; however, I get many requests for independent study and research mentoring. As a result, I require students complete the following steps before I will agree to an independent study. Failure to follow these procedures will result in me declining to work you. Please note: due to limits on my time, I only accept currently enrolled Northwestern undergraduates as research mentees.
1) Prepare a proposal no longer than 2-pages in length. The proposal must include the following headings: Statement of Purpose & Goals, Discussion of Topic, Statement of Interest, and Proposed Deliverables. For students hoping to earn funding from the Office of Undergraduate Research, writing this proposal will help in that process as well.
Statement of Purpose & Goals: This section tells me why you need or want the independent study. Tell me why you want the independent study and what you hope to accomplish.
Discussion of Topic: Tell me about the topic that you want to study. Check my CV to make sure the topic is one in which I have particular expertise. I want to know what you know so far, and I want to see that you are willing to do some legwork to convince me that the topic is worthy of study. Simply having a shared interest in a general topic is not sufficient to convince me that your topic needs further examination. Justify your proposed topic sociologically.
Statement of Interest: This should flow right from the previous section and explain your own interest in the topic. If you are not interested, it will not be meaningful for either of us.
Proposed Deliverables: Here, you should propose what the deliverables are to be for the independent study. These most often include a research/term paper or a series of shorter papers/memos. It could also include actual exams or other methods of evaluation. I, of course, reserve the right to make the final decision on deliverables.
I do not care too much about what “style” you use to organize the proposal in terms of formatting and citations (if applicable). Just be consistent and reasonable. If you want some guidance, see the American Sociological Association Style Guide.
2) Fill out this form and upload your proposal. The form will ask you to provide your availability to meet with me to discuss your proposal.
3) Meet with me to discuss your proposal. Meetings may be virtual or in-person.
4) If I end up saying “yes” to your proposal you will need to obtain the independent study form and registration permission number from the Sociology Department office by emailing katie.shirilla@northwestern.edu or visiting 1810 Chicago Ave.
Final Note:
Independent studies can be rewarding, but they tend to be lots of work for the student and instructor. Before we both commit to doing the work, we need to have a strong understanding for what it will entail. For my part, I need to know that the independent study will be worth taking my time from my other priorities, and I want to ensure that it is something to which you are committed. If we can align on these goals, then I am always happy to guide your sociological inquiry and support your research. Please note: I typically take on a maximum of one independent study per quarter, so I recommend planning ahead if you hope to work with me in this capacity during your time at Northwestern.