The Office of Undergraduate Research encourages our scholars to be creative in the ways in which they create and circulate the research they produce and consume. Public scholarship is inherently inclusive, and intersectional—all values we advocate for in our office and Newcomb-Tulane College itself.
Public scholarship refers to the, “Diverse modes of creating and circulating knowledge for and with publics and communities. It often involves mutually-beneficial partnerships between higher education and organizations in the public and private sectors. Its goals include enriching research, creative activity, and public knowledge; strengthening democratic values and civic responsibility; addressing and helping to solve critical social problems; and contributing to the public good.” [1]
Furthermore, public scholarship could involve any or all the following:
- Co-production of knowledge between faculty and community stakeholders.
- Significant time investment to cultivate relationships with community stakeholders.
- Engagement with public(s) at multiple stages across time.
- Interdisciplinary work and collaboration.
- An explicit goal of a public good impact [2].
In a city as community-oriented and creative as New Orleans, there are many cultural institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations with which our undergraduates may partner with for research. New Orleans Center for the Gulf South, for example, “Is an interdisciplinary, place-based institute that … is dedicated to preserving, perpetuating, and celebrating the distinctive cultures of New Orleans and the Gulf South.” [3] Their mission rest on three important components of public scholarship: “Research, teaching, and community engagement.” Other local examples would include institutions such as, The Bywater Institute, Paper Monuments, the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center, and many others.
A student-developed research project of public scholarship could include anything from a blog post to a walking lecture series. We encourage our students to be creative in the way they include and incorporate the community in their work.
If you are curious about designing your research project toward one of public scholarship, we welcome you to contact Andrew Squitiro with some times that you would be available for a virtual advising session.
[1] Imagining America: Artists and Scholars in Public Life
[2] Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Center for Service and Learning
[3] New Orleans Center for the Gulf South, Mission Statement
