GOV 362L : Government Research Internship (Research Practicum)

This course is a two-semester program to introduce undergraduate students to the research process in the social sciences. In this program, students will get hands on experience by contributing to research projects similar to the lab setting of the natural sciences. In the first semester, students will develop and present their own research proposal. In the second semester, students will complete, formally write up, and present their results. Throughout the course, we discuss issues encountered when conducting applied social science research with a specific focus on the issues that may arise while proceeding with their specific research projects. Students are required to take both semesters of this two-semester research course.

This course is designed for undergraduates who would like hands-on training in how to conduct and present research in political science and policy related to international peace, conflict and development. The course is specifically geared around research for IPD, and thus students may fulfill their obligations as IPD research affiliates while also fulfilling the partial requirements for this class. Past practicum students have presented research at the Midwest Political Science Association Annual Conference and published their work online and in academic journals.

Practicum Instructor: Megan Farrell

Megan Farrell is a PhD candidate in the Department of Government, concentrating on International Relations and Methods.  Her dissertation focuses on alliances among political violence groups, specifically examining why smaller, lesser-known groups will align with a larger parent organization despite the risk of backlash associated with a heightened profile.  Prior to arriving at UT-Austin, she received her M.A. in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh while working for the city’s office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Questions about the practicum course? Email megan.farrell@utexas.edu.

Student Testimonial: Lauren Essary, Government BA

"Through the Research Practicum course, I developed an independent research project that analyzed the relationship between environmental anomalies and terrorist violence using regression models. I also gained experience coding data and working on collaborative research projects, which has benefited me in both my other courses and my professional pursuits. This course was a really great introduction to doing my own research, and getting to work one-on-one with a PhD student on a regular basis was invaluable."