Professor: Karine Vanthuyne
Unit: School of Sociological and Antropological Studies
Number of Students: 5
Language: French, English (assignments can be submitted in French)

Research Description

The aim of this course is to develop, with the students, a research-creation project on the interrelationships between a plant conventionally considered to be 'invasive', Japanese knotweed, and the residents and infrastructure managers of the Ottawa-Gatineau region. The International Union for Conservation of Nature, which classifies knotweed as one of the world's 100 species of greatest concern, defines an "invasive alien species" as one that has been introduced by humans outside its natural range, and whose establishment and spread threaten ecosystems, habitats or so-called "native" species with negative ecological, economic or health consequences (IUCN 2000). While the development of Japanese knotweed, encouraged by soil impoverishment and climate change, is certainly responsible for the degradation of ecological environments and infrastructures (roads, buildings, etc.), this plant is not without its qualities. In its native range, it is a pioneer of volcanic soils. It helps to stabilise metallic elements while 'preparing' the soil for more elaborate systems, in the same way as bramble, which in European biotopes 'incubates' the acorn of the oak, giving way later to the forest. It also has a number of well-known pharmacological and beekeeping applications.

But how is knotweed perceived and treated in the Ottawa-Gatineau region? Who are the players who appreciate it or are actively fighting against it? What ideologies, theoretical approaches and socio-economic and political issues underpin these representations and practices? In this course, students will be invited to answer these questions by conducting interdisciplinary documentary research and preliminary fieldwork, using the theoretical framework of multi-species justice and the critical multi-species ethnographic approach.

Key Learning Activities

The course will include two types of research activities, which may be completed in teams or individually, depending on the students' preference.

1. Literature review: students will be asked to survey the scientific (e.g. academic journal article) and non-scientific (e.g. Ontario Government Invasive Species Act) literature that is produced locally on Japanese knotweed, in order to identify:
   1. The different representations of this plant in the Ottawa-Gatineau region;
   2. The range of practices associated with each of these representations (e.g. gathering it for medicinal purposes, or removing it to protect so-called "native" plants);
   3. The types of actors associated with each of these different representations and practices (e.g. citizens' association, university professor, City of Ottawa manager, herbalist, etc.);
   4. The ideologies, theoretical approaches and socio-economic and political issues that inform these representations and practices.
2. Preliminary field study: on the basis of their literature review, the students will conduct interviews with the actors identified in order to deepen their analysis of the ideologies, theoretical approaches and socio-economic and political issues that underpin representations of Japanese knotweed in the Ottawa-Gatineau region and the practices associated with them. The interviews will be transcribed and coded using software provided by the professor.

Professor: Catherine Dussault
Unit: School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies
Number of students: 2
Language: French (assignments may be submitted in English or French)

Research Description

For over sixty years now, the landscape of Aboriginal research on Turtle Island has been undergoing profound changes. Not only are Aboriginals seeking to regain control of the research taking place on their territories and among them, but these discourses are rooted in broader political, theoretical and social projects that will be the focus of our attention in this course. More specifically, we will seek to analyze, describe and examine indigenous research methods, particularly that ofstorytelling, in order to shed light on the meaning of concepts that are commonplace in non-indigenous contexts, notably those of “justice”, “transition” and “just transition”, among others in the current context of climate disruption.

This course aims to introduce students to indigenous theories, practices and methodologies related to “just transition”, highlighting the experiences, knowledge and ways of accessing knowledge by the indigenous people of Turtle Island. Through the readings, students will be led to analyze different indigenous research methods in the context of energy and climate transitions. Aboriginal perspectives will therefore be at the heart of our discussions, which will focus first and foremost on the themes of “narrative” and “just transition” and their links.

Key learning Activities

This course will enable students to participate in a research project and thus:

• Acquire knowledge through experiential learning;
• Increase autonomy and interest in studies;
• Deepen their knowledge of research methodologies and processes;
• Become aware of the limits of knowledge inherent in all social science research, and learn about scientific communication.

Professor: Benjamin Zyla
Unit: School of International Development and Global Studies
Number of students: 4
Language: English

Research Description

Students will be part of a research team to study (1) Local Peacebuilding interventions in the Congo, as well as (2) the role of UN peacekeepers in a currently rapidly changing global order, for example, those deployed to, among others, Lebanon, Israel and parts of Africa. 

Details on 1) Peacebuilding operations formally aim to help mitigate or resolve conflicts in the societies and states in which they are deployed. Detailed knowledge of local actors, histories, cultures, languages, geography and conflict dynamics is vital to successful peacebuilding. However, the organizations that organize and manage these missions often do not know how to reach out to the local population. We will study how the UN engages with the local population in the Congo as our case study over the last twenty or so years.

Details on 2) The role of international peacekeeping operations is currently changing and adapting to a new world order that is increasingly characterized by civil wars and humanitarian disasters, especially in the Middle East and parts of Africa. We will study this new changing context with the UN’s Agenda 2023 publication to then zoom into studying/exploring what role so-called Middle Powers like Canada, Australia etc. can play in helping to manage this new peacekeeping environment.

Key learning Activities

• Participate and be a full member of an existing research team
• Expand your research knowledge (methodologies, techniques, analysis, etc.) on UN peace operations
• Learn more about the peace operations, especially in Africa and the Middle East
• Gain an understanding of the conflicts in those countries and local initiatives how to solve it
• Increase or validate their interests in graduate studies and gain a first practical experience in social science research
• Learn how to analyze large amounts of data and secondary sources
• Learn how to do a literature review for grad school 

The research activities for the FSS 4150 - Directed Research in Social Sciences course aim to:

• enrich your university education as well as learning experience and engagement;
• benefit from direct supervision with a faculty member;
• participate immersively in the acquisition of research knowledge and skills;
• enhance the interests and autonomy for higher education;
• increase knowledge of research methodologies and processes;
• become aware of the knowledge limitations inherent in any social sciences research;
• learn about scientific communication.

This course requires a minimum of three evaluations in line with the professor's guidelines and course outline. Work schedule, as well as research activities, shall be confirmed with the professor. The expected number of hours for the course is 120 to 150 hours.

All regulations and deadlines governing progress at the University apply in this case.

Students enrolled in their 4th year of a specialized program of study at the Faculty of Social Sciences that meet the following eligibility criteria are eligible. Please note that the selection process takes place in two parts: the first selection round is made by the Faculty according to the basic eligibility criteria, and the final selection is completed by the professor responsible for the chosen directed research.

Note: 3rd-year students with 51 credits and a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 9.0 can apply.

Basic eligibility criteria

• Have completed at least 81 credits.
• Have a CGPA of 8.0 or more.
• FSS 4150 may be repeated if the topic is different.

Additional evaluation criteria

• Justification of the relevance of the learning activities for your program of study and your career objectives;
• Letter of motivation: language quality, clarity, and coherence;

Only applications accepted by the Faculty and the professor will receive by e-mail an official confirmation of acceptance. We strongly encourage students to register for another course pending the official notification. You will be able to modify your registration within the applicable deadlines.

To apply for the FSS 4150 course, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Application Form. Indicate your chosen directed research topic on the form.
2. Write a 200-Word Essay. Explain how participating in this research will enhance your student experience, support your professional development and align with your career goal.
3. Await Confirmation

• The Faculty will review your application. Acceptance is based on eligibility criteria, academic progress, and available spots in the course.
• Note that submitting the application form does not guarantee acceptance.
• If the Faculty approves, your application will be forwarded to the professor overseeing the course. The professor will make the final selection

If Selected:

• Update your course registration by submitting the Modification of Registration Form to [email protected].
• Contact your professor promptly to plan your research activities and schedule.
• Notify the Faculty at [email protected] by the specified deadlines if you choose to withdraw from the course.

Additional Information:

• This course will not have a timetable or appear on Brightspace.
• Your research schedule will be established in collaboration with your professor.

Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to ensure a smooth application process.