CBRI projects are undertaken in the Spring semester. Students involved with CBRI typically must enroll in the following four-credit seminar.

POL U943/INT U943 Community-Based Research Practicum

An institution set in a complex urban environment, Northeastern University is committed to building community relationships that can enrich the educational process and provide the opportunity for contributing academic expertise to public problem-solving. This course will involve students in applied social research projects that are defined in partnership with local civic, public affairs, and social service groups. A small team of students will be assembled and given supervision in planning and carrying out the research. Background reading, writing assignments, and data collection will be determined based on the specific project. Students will collaborate on a final report that is presented to the community partner at the end of the course.

Enrollment is limited and permission of the instructor is required for entry into the course. Students interested in participating in CBRI should familiarize themselves with the philosophy and activities of the program as presented on this web site. They should also schedule a meeting with Professor Rochefort, CBRI project leader, to discuss particular interests and skills in relation to upcoming research projects.

Students participating in CBRI should be prepared for an intensive collaboration experience over the period of the semester. Research is carried out by means of both group and individual task assignments with tight deadlines. All students also have substantial writing responsibilities as part of their seminar work. Key products of the seminar include a formal presentation of findings to the community research partner and a published research report.

The opportunity to work closely with a faculty member as part of a team engaged in original research is one of the unique benefits of participation in CBRI. Although seldom taught in standard academic courses, effective collaboration is a crucial workplace skill. At the same time, students will develop valuable professional competencies in research design and a variety of forms of quantitative and qualitative research. The demands of the CBRI seminar limit the amount of time participants have for outside employment during the semester. Completion of the "Community-Based Research Practicum" counts toward the College of Arts and Sciences Experiential Education requirement for Political Science majors.

Students completing the CBRI Practicum have gone on to a variety of educational programs and professional positions. Many say they found their involvement in Community-Based Research to be an important influence shaping their career directions. Following is a sampling of the activities of our former students:

Graduate School at Brandeis University, Northeastern University, Harvard University

Law School at Georgetown, Stanford, Boston University, Boston College

Public School Teacher

"Teach for America" Volunteer

Journalist

Staff Assistant, Boston City Hall

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