Public Scholarship and Applied Research in Graduate Seminars: Example from HIST 595B, Public History

This event is part of the CTLT Spring Institute, taking place from May 31–June 3, 2022. To view all events, visit https://institute.ctlt.ubc.ca/spring-institute/spring-institute-events/

This panel will bring together a UBC faculty member, graduate student, and staff member, to discuss an applied research project that took place in a graduate-level seminar in Fall 2021. Applied research is one of the nine types of work-integrated learning recognized by CEWIL Canada; students participating in applied research projects solve workplace problems in partnership with community organizations or industry. Solutions to these problems are typically generated through consulting, design, community-based research, or some combination of all three.

Applied research is common in business, computer science, and planning, but less often implemented in Arts disciplines‚ especially at the graduate level. Yet students in coursework-based MA programs have requested that public scholarship and work experiences be integrated into their classes, as, with heavy course loads and familial commitments, they don’t usually have the time to dedicate to such activities outside of their courses.

This panel will focus on Dr. Richard Menkis’ Fall 2021 Public History seminar as an example of a well-executed applied research project.

By the end of this panel, participants will be able to:
– Describe the differences between applied research, community engagement, and other forms of work-integrated and experiential learning
– Consider options for integrating applied research in grad-level seminars
I- dentify where to go on campus to receive support in developing and implementing an applied research project for a graduate course

Facilitators:
– Will Atkinson, Project co-ordinator, Arts Amplifier
– Annika Rosanowski, Grants Editor, Arts Amplfier
– Richard Menkis, Associate Professor, Department of History