Discovering a Subject Suitable for Japan (Independently)
For a Princeton University junior, embarking on their first Junior Paper (JP) in a discipline without a research seminar can be a daunting task. However, the author of this article offers some valuable tips to help navigate this process.
Identify Your Interests
The first step is to identify topics that genuinely interest you within your discipline. This could be a broader theme or question you want to explore more deeply. The author, who has a keen interest in the intersection of religion and politics in the United States, used this approach to narrow down their JP topic to the role of religion in the politics surrounding the US Supreme Court.
Explore Recent Faculty Work
Exploring working papers or recent publications by Princeton faculty in your department or related fields can provide inspiration. For example, the Griswold Center for Economic Policy Studies offers many working papers in economics that might inspire a research area if you are in that field.
Seek Informal Advising
Reach out to faculty members or junior paper advisors informally to discuss potential areas. Even in disciplines without a designated research seminar, Princeton faculty are often willing to provide guidance or suggest promising directions based on your interests and background.
Look for Interdisciplinary Topics
Consider looking for interdisciplinary topics or emerging issues, which can provide fertile ground for a junior paper when formal seminar structures are absent.
Frame Your JP Around Policy-Relevant Problems
Another approach is to frame your JP around policy-relevant or practical problems, especially those addressed at Princeton through centers like the Griswold Center or social programs.
Take Initiative and Reflect
Since the JP is an independent paper, students must take initiative by leveraging the intellectual resources on campus, starting with readings of recent academic working papers and informal faculty conversations. The author recommends reflecting on durable interests and reading as much as possible in that area to deepen your understanding and narrow down your focus.
Seek Feedback and Ideas
Talking to preceptors, professors, mentors, and friends about an emergent topic can also help generate ideas and provide valuable feedback.
In conclusion, for disciplines lacking a research seminar, finding a general research area involves combining your interests, reviewing recent Princeton faculty work, and consulting advisors informally to craft a manageable and meaningful JP topic. The author's approach aligns with Princeton's emphasis on intellectual depth and contribution to research, even as an undergraduate.
As juniors and seniors at Princeton face the approaching independent work requirements, Fall break can be a time of relief and moderated despair. But with these tips, the process of finding a research area for your JP can become less daunting and more exciting.
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