AMS410H1

Community-Engaged Research in American Studies: Social Justice in Action

In this course, students work to address a pressing social policy issue of relevance to the United States. Working in partners/teams, students will conduct a research project with and on behalf of community partners to address an organizational need, producing usable deliverables such as research reports, policy briefs, program evaluations, or community resources. Students will draw on academic and community-based research to understand the intersections of racism, sexism, ableism, classism, migration status, gender discrimination, and/or religious discrimination though a pressing social policy issue (including but not limited to: poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity, educational access, precarious employment). Students will receive specialized training based on the research needs identified by the partner(s); carry out a small-scale research project; and share research findings with different audiences, including academics, professionals, and the public. Classroom discussions will integrate community experiences with lecture material and connections will be made to the specific context and policy of the United States. Enrolment is restricted to upper-level Munk Undergraduate students.