Sociology 391B

Intermediate Analysis of Collective Contention II

Spring 2003

Wednesdays 6:00-8:00, 725 Flanner Hall

Professor Dan Myers

Office: 735 Flanner Hall, 631-3839

e-mail: Myers.33@nd.edu

Office Hours: M 9-10, or by Appointment

Web Page for this course: http://www.nd.edu/~dmyers/team/

Listserv address (send mail to this address and it will be distributed to everyone in the class):

RIOTS-L@listserv.nd.edu

Purpose of the Course:

This is the second semester of a year-long class examining theoretical developments and empirical analysis of collective contention. This semester, students will focus on completing intensive research projects including their analyses and the writing of a professional research report. Student participants are selected as part of the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program.

The second semester is structured to encourage appropriate progress throughout the semester and to provide ongoing feedback. Each project will construct a "contract" which will lay out specific tasks and deadlines throughout the semester. The contract will be negotiated in an individual meeting with your research supervisor.

Readings:

Because you will be busy with individual readings for your projects, we will have a minimal core of reading this semester. Readings will be focused on the how-tos of preparing your research reports along with appropriate examples. Readings will be distributed by the instructor; there is no text or course packet to purchase.

Writing:

Unlike past semesters, we will not be writing reading reactions. Instead, we will be writing critiques of each other's work on a regular basis. Also unlike past semesters, these writing assignments (the critiques) will be graded. Thus, as we progress through the semester, you will receive grades on completing interim reports on your progress and the critiques you write of other people's work.

Grades:

Final Project: 50%

Interim Reports 20%

Critiques 20%

Attendance Participation 10%

Course Schedule:

This semester, we will meet as a group every-other week. On the weeks we do not meet as a group, you will meet individually with your research supervisor.

I have tentatively made the following assignments. You are welcome to consult with any of us at any time.

Project: Supervisor:

Hyejin Dan

Kristen Dan and possibly someone in marketing

Kim and Heidi Eugene and David

Teresa Dan

Tona Dan and Peter Walshe in Political Science

Lee and Vanesa Rory

January 15: Organizational Meeting

January 22: Distribute Proposals to Group; Discuss writing introductory material for research reports

January 29: Meet with Research Supervisor

February 5: Critique I of Proposals Due; Discuss writing about background literature and hypotheses

February 12: Meet with Research Supervisor

February 19: New draft of front end (introduction, background literature, and methods) due; Discuss problems with data/analyses

February 26: Meet with Research Supervisor

March 5: Critique II (of new front ends due). Discuss interpreting data and writing about your findings.

March 12: Spring Break.

March 19: Preliminary results section due. Discuss writing conclusion/discussion sections.

March 26: Meet with Research Supervisor

April 2: Critique III (of results sections) due. Address any ongoing problems with projects.

April 16: Report Drafts are due

April 23: Meet with Research Supervisor

April 30: Critique IV of Report Drafts due

Final Projects are due by 12:00 Noon on May 9th.