The Graduate School
GRS 392J Topics in Community Engagement:
Project Management and
Consulting Projects
Consent of Instructor Required
Professor: Dr. Leslie H. Jarmon
E-mail: LJarmon@mail.utexas.edu
Office: Main
Building 101, by appointment 232-3617
Course Rationale and Objectives
Open to ALL graduate students. Of special interest to graduate students in: Liberal Arts, Architecture, Public Affairs, Natural Sciences, Education, Communication, Business, Engineering, School of Information, Fine Arts, Pharmacy, Nursing, Social Work, and Interdisciplinary Units.
This Graduate Studies (GRS) 392J course, Community Engagement (CE) Projects, provides graduate students with the opportunity to earn course credit, learn important project management design, conduct independent study research, and apply their knowledge while working on actual problem-based research projects for clients in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Consistent with the university's emphasis on hands-on learning, CE Projects also provide a series of practical, experiential, and interactive seminars aimed at developing professional skills needed by all university graduate students. Publication opportunities for research papers are possible.
Specifically, students will receive critical training in Project Management, Consulting, and Professional Communication skills. In today's world, research is often conducted in interdisciplinary and/or global contexts, and academic research and corporate teams may include members from several different industries, disciplines, countries and cultures. Clear communication of ones knowledge and scholarly contributions can determine success in ones chosen career and the effectiveness of ones ability to communicate to diverse audiences - academic, corporate, and the public.
At the same time, students will have the very unique opportunity to actually contribute to the research needs of their community partners and make an important and lasting contribution to the community while still at the university. Student projects can serve as the inspiration and practical connection needed to move forward in their dissertation research, data collection and analysis - while helping others at the same time. A student's CE Project can provide an enriched source for data and analysis for a master's project or for ones dissertation, for writing a conference paper or for a publication. While working with a client to make an impact on their program or project design, a student can impress potential employers and build lasting bonds with classmates.
As an enhancement to traditional academic courses, a central goal of CE Projects is to help students develop the broad perspective and character that are the hallmarks of well-rounded and effective knowledge leaders. GRS 392J is a practical and experiential professional development program where students can also sharpen communication skills, apply theory, build networks, and explore career possibilities.
Guest faculty, expert consultants, and project managers will contribute to the inter-disciplinary and professional design of the course. Digital media training, a requirement for the 21st century professional, is included in the curriculum. A high level of accountability to and professional respect for our external clients and for classmates is, of course, expected, and time management is critical.
Required: Prior to the start of the semester, students must meet with Dr. Jarmon to discuss research project options and partners/clients.
For more information, contact Dr. Leslie Jarmon
Office: (512) 232-3617