CLASS NOTES:

The intent of this class is to introduce students to the theory and practice of survey research through a combination of traditional in-class lectures, reading assignments, and the like, along with a hands-on practical experience actually doing survey research. The Rutgers-Eagleton Poll has a Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing (CATI) system available for our use. This system allows us to develop a questionnaire and put it into the "field" through telephone interviewing of randomly selected people. The plan is to work with several local non-profit organizations to collect data and develop reports on that data to help them with their program delivery. Hence the "civic engagement" aspect of the coursed - students will not only learn in the classroom, but will become engaged with community organizations in the process of learning how to do surveys.

Here's the "blurb" on the course:

This service-learning course will engage students in both the theory and practice of survey research. Students will learn about survey sampling, design, administration, and analysis through a combination of traditional readings, lectures, and discussions along with a service learning group project. The project will involve designing and administering a survey for non-profit community-based organizations, including preparing and presenting a final report. Students will get hands-on experience using modern computer-aided telephone interviewing software and will learn how to analyze and present the data collected by the class. Grades will be based on class participation, the civic engagement project, and examinations.