Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Symposium | Fall 2024

The Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Program

The Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Program at Miami Dade College provides undergraduate students the opportunity to complete independent student-led research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students apply for this competitive program with their faculty mentors and upon selection, the research teams (one faculty mentor and one undergraduate student) embark on the 8-week research journey together.

In the intensive undergraduate research program, students select a research topic, complete the research process, and create a project based on the findings of their research. These projects could include academic papers, dance performances, original art, digital portfolios, or any other form of creative expression. Students meet with their faculty mentors every week and are supported on their research journey by their assigned librarians.

In addition to the research process and final research projects, students must present their research at the Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Faculty & Student Program Guidelines

During the Fall Term, The Humanities Edge students will complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor.  The research process will lead to a final research artifact or “product” (e.g., an academic essay, a conference presentation using a slideshow, a piece of artwork, a dance, or a short film) that you will present at The Humanities Edge Undergraduate Research Virtual Symposium in the Spring Term.

Undergraduate researchers (students) must:

• Complete and sign this Undergraduate Research Contract.
• Meet with their faculty mentors once a week.
• Work closely with the assigned librarian during the research process and the symposium submission process.
• Submit the final research project by Wednesday, November 27, 2024.
• Submit the poster and symposium slideshow by Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
• Complete the program online survey by Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
• Participate in The Humanities Undergraduate Research Virtual Symposium in the Spring Term (date TBD).

As an undergraduate researcher, you will:

• Complete research tasks consistent with your research topic and question.
• Be thorough in the research methodology.
• Be objective throughout the entire research process and in presenting the findings of the research.
• Be dependable, recognizing the commitment and responsibility to your research project and your faculty mentor.
• Accept feedback from your faculty mentor and Learning Resources liaison as you complete your research project.
• Address any research project concerns immediately with your faculty mentor.
• Treat all individuals in the program with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth.
• Avoid profane and abusive language and disruptive behavior that is dangerous to self and others.

The Humanities Edge

The Humanities Edge is an academic and career development program for MDC-to-FIU transfer students majoring in the humanities. This pathway partnership between Miami Dade College and Florida International University creates a rich academic experience to help students maintain an interest in the humanities while supporting their transition to university.

Thanks to generous assistance from The Andrew W. Mellon foundation, The Humanities Edge supports approximately 5,000 MDC and FIU students studying in all the humanities disciplines (including philosophy, gender and ethnic studies, modern languages and classical studies). The program aims to show that the study of the humanities can provide the key to an interesting and rewarding life and career.

About the Humanities Edge