Senior Independent Research (Economics 403/404) allows students to investigate in depth a topic of their own choosing under the direction of a member of the faculty of the Economics Department. The course provides students with an opportunity.
- to gain a thorough understanding of the existing state of economic knowledge on the topic they select,
- to gain some insight into the process of research in Economics, and
- to interact with a faculty member on a one-to-one basis.
Prior to taking an independent research course, students should complete all intermediate theory requirements and should take all 400-level courses, which are closely related to the topic to be investigated.
Students who wish to take Senior Independent Research should:
- Select a proposed topic (preferably a fairly narrowly defined one) and prepare a short (one or two page) summary of the proposed research project.
- Find an Economics Department professor who is willing to supervise the research project. The best approach is to discuss the proposed project with the professor whose research interests are most closely related to the topic selected by the student. If you need help in identifying potential research supervisors, see the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dr. James Brown, Baker Building 250, extension 3343.
- Enroll in the course by having the professor who is to supervise the research project sign either a registration form or a drop-add slip. The professor should also sign this form, which should then be placed in Dr. Brown's mail box in the Economics Department office, 266 Baker Building.
All requirements for the course -- including readings, deadlines for a first draft and revisions of the final research project report -- are determined exclusively by the professor supervising the project.
The Gaston V. Rimlinger Essay Prize is awarded each year for the best paper written in a senior independent research course or Senior Seminar.
Revised: August 23, 2007