Part One: Course Pamphlet

Examples of Possible Project Topics

Because Human Services encompasses many fields of work and study, research can be done in the human services sector or an area within the human services sector, and on a wide variety of topics. Here are a few examples:

• Interview stakeholders,

• Lead a focus group,

• Hold a workshop,

• Conduct a survey,

• Introduce a new policy to its intended audience, or,

• Some combination of these activities.

Two resources are recommended to help you frame the development of your project. One is the Community Handbook provided along with the Study Guide as part of your course materials. It may help you to think of projects that could be undertaken where you live, work or volunteer.

• Nancy Pollack with Richard Veden and Frank Tesler, A Community Workbook on Social Programs. 2nd ed. School of Social Work: University of British Columbia, 2000.

The second recommended resource is available through the Library Services. Research for the Helping Professions is a textbook that explains many kinds of research activities. It provides examples relevant to the human services sector, and gives a fictional account of how a new graduate student approaches her assignments. The answers provided by the authors to some of her questions about the what and the how of research may help you to clarify your own ideas and present your project in a clear and concise manner.

• William K. Wilkinson and Keith McNeil. Research for the Helping Professions. Toronto: Nelson Canada, 1996.

Upon completion of the course the student will be encouraged to share their work with other students and the general public by submitting their project title, an executive summary of their project and any advice to new students they may wish to offer on how to complete the course requirements successfully.