PRLS 5710 Research Seminar in Puerto Rican & LatinX Studies (Ortíz-Minaya)

Learning Goal 1:

• Identify an advanced research question produce a research proposal with a hypothesis
• Identify and evaluate the appropriate methods and methodology for your research question
• Complete a literature review addressing your chosen theme/question conduct preliminary primary research
• Write an exploration paper presenting a research question and considering at least 3 different approaches to your research question.

This final project builds on the previous methods discussion papers.

Learning Goal 2:
Develop a critical understanding of multiple perspectives to challenge conventional narratives.

Learning Objective:
Students will understand various research and theoretical frameworks reflecting on their implications and practical consequences for Puerto Rican, Latinx, Caribbean, and/or Latin American Studies.

Learning Goal 3:
Develop an understanding of the dynamics of diversity of research methodology in a globally interdependent and inter-sectional world-economy.

Learning Objective:
Students will articulate the experiences of Latinx/ Puerto Ricans in a trans-national, trans-historical, and trans-disciplinary context.

Readings:

This class will be operate following the French model of graduate school pedagogy by which readings will be identified in bi-weekly formats but also contingent and determined by the development of the class discussions and exchanges. However, there will also be theoretical, historical, and methodological literature to frame your ongoing intellectual examination of problems presented as currently plaguing the Puerto Rican and LatinX communities in the United States.

As such, all materials will be posted online and/or provided in advance. This however requires you think out of the box! Do not allow your locating of data and research to be bound by convention. Push the boundaries and critically observe the various ways to conduct social research.

To read what is being produced regarding academic research on social sciences in Latin America:

• Hack the following sources on Puerto Rico
• Read and explore these Academic Journals on Latin America (available for free to Brooklyn College members with login)
• Check out these networks

Final Paper Annotated Bibliography (30% of Final Grade)

Due: Tuesday, March 16, 2021.

First part of assignment:

• You are to submit via Blackboard, a one page essay description of your identified topic.
• This document is to be single-spaced and succinctly describe your proposed topic of research.

Second part of assignment:

• You are to submit an Annotated Bibliography of your chosen final research topic.
• We will carefully review the components of the Annotated Bibliography.

Final Research Paper (40% of Final Grade)
Consists of two parts:

• Paper 30%
• Presentation 10%

Research Paper:
You will be responsible to write a 10-15 RESEARCH paper on your chosen topic which will be due: Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at  the beginning of class and on Blackboard. 

• If you need a refresher on citations please see Brooklyn College Library's guide Cite Your Sources MLA/APA citations.
• If you need writing help, the Brooklyn College Learning Center has tutors available on an appointment basis, to assist you.

Presentation:
You will present your final paper topic twice at the end of the semester.
First time to the Puerto Rican and Latino Studies Department in the PRLS 5710 Student Research Colloquium and the second time to a broader audience of the Brooklyn College academic community. Dates will be announced in advance.

Attendance/Participation (30% of Final Grade)

ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!

Participation grades are based on qualitative assessment of YOUR contribution to class discussions. You are expected to come to class having already read assigned course materials for that week and demonstrate familiarity with assigned readings and critical thinking ability.

You will also have several opportunities to participate in other ways, such as through Blackboard

• Final Paper Annotated Bibliography:  30%
• Final Research Paper: 40%
  • Paper: 30%
  • Presentation: 10%
• Participation: 30%

• The faculty and administration of Brooklyn College support an environment free from cheating and plagiarism.
• Each student is responsible for being aware of what constitutes cheating and plagiarism and for avoiding both.
• View complete text of CUNY Academic Integrity Policy and Brooklyn College procedure for policy implementation.
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Bereavement Policy:

• Students who experience the death of a loved one must contact the Division of Student Affairs, 2113 Boylan Hall, if they wish to implement either the Standard Bereavement Procedure or the Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure. The Division of Student Affairs has the right to request a document that verifies the death (e.g., a funeral program or death notice). Contact Email: studentaffairs@brooklyn.cuny.edu
• Typically, this death involves that of a family member, in parallel to the bereavement policy for faculty and staff. However, it is up to the discretion of the Division of Student Affairs to determine if a death outside of the immediate family warrants implementation of the student bereavement policy.
•  As an option, and in consultation with the Division of Student Affairs, students may take the Leave of Absence Bereavement after the Standard Bereavement.
• Reference to the Student Bereavement Policies will be noted on course syllabi.
• Students requesting a religious accommodation should contact the Division of Student Affairs as well. The chief student affairs officer, or a designee, and the student will engage in an interactive process with the goal of finding an acceptable accommodation.

Bereavement Procedure:

• Upon approval from the Division of Student Affairs, the student is allowed one week, commencing from the day of notification to the Division of Student Affairs, of excused absence.
• Should the student feel that he/she needs additional days, these should be discussed with individual course instructors and/or the Division of Student Affairs.
• The Division of Student Affairs will contact the student’s faculty and academic staff of the student’s courses.
• Faculty and academic staff will be advised that extensions must be granted to the student for the period of one week of excused absence.
• Further extensions may be negotiated with the student when he or she returns to campus.
• Students are encouraged to discuss options with their instructors.

Leave of Absence Bereavement Procedure:

• Students may be allowed to withdraw from the semester in which the death occurs.
• The Bereavement Leave of Absence is for one semester only.
• Students who have opted to take the Bereavement Leave of Absence and have already attended classes for the semester of the leave will be allowed to re-enter the following semester without having to reapply to the college.
• Students who wish to take the leave of absence prior to the beginning of the semester will be required to reapply for the following semester.
• Students who are in good academic standing will be given the opportunity to successfully complete the credits for the semester in which they return.
• Students will consult with the Division of Student Affairs, on a case-by-case basis, as to whether they should withdraw from their courses during this leave of absence or to request incompletes from the faculty member.
•  Given that there may be a potential impact on financial aid, students who receive financial aid and who take the Bereavement Leave of Absence, upon arrangement with the Division of Student Affairs, will meet with a financial aid adviser prior to taking this option.

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• If classes, examinations, or study or work requirements occur on Friday after 4 p.m. or on Saturday, similar or makeup classes, examinations, or study or work requirements will be made available on other days, where possible and practical.
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• If students have complaints about the application of this policy, they are entitled to bring action or a proceeding for enforcement of their rights in the Supreme Court of Kings County