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Research Excellence Series - Social Sciences (LA&PS, EUC, ED)

York University Libraries has launched a new approach to teaching information and digital literacy to undergraduate students in the social science disciplines. Our information ecosystem can at times seem difficult to navigate, so this series of three interactive classes is designed to complement research methods courses and help your students achieve the competencies needed for success. 

Series Description

The series consists of three 90-minute classes and contains multiple learning activities, discussion, and time for critical reflection. Classes are open to any student registered at York. Students can take the classes as many times as needed.

Enrollment & Completion 

Course instructors, we invite you to share this registration link with your students. Please let your students know they can see the three-class titles under the series “Research Excellence Series—Social Sciences (LA&PS, EUC, ED)”.   
 
We invite you to contact us if you are interested in incorporating the classes into your courses. You can also contact us to discuss proof of attendance or to develop a customized mode of assessment. Please email us at yul_slas@yorku.ca. 

Curriculum

This class introduces key research skills for upper-year social science students in LA&PS, EUC and ED. Participants will learn how to develop clear, focused research questions and conduct effective searches by finding, evaluating, and synthesizing scholarly sources. The session also highlights library databases and citation tools to streamline the process. By the end of the session, students will be equipped to build a strong research foundation and confidently position their work within academic conversations. 

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Define research in the social sciences and distinguish it from research in the natural sciences and humanities. 
  1. Develop clear, focused, and researchable questions in the social sciences.  
  1. Understand the purpose and structure of a literature review.  
  1. Explore library tools and learn strategies for finding and evaluating sources effectively.  
  1. Understand the role of AI and technology in research.   

This class helps students navigate the world of social sciences data. Participants will learn how to find and evaluate data, explore key sources and repositories, and tackle issues like privacy, cultural sensitivity, and proper citation. With hands-on practice using library tools and specialized databases, students will gain the confidence to locate and apply data effectively in their research.

Learning Outcomes 

  1. Identify and connect different type of data to participant information need – and understand what kind of data format is needed (a statistic, microdata to do own analysis, aggregated data table, etc.). 
  1. Identify key data producers and publishers in the social sciences. 
  1. Develop strategies on how to identify relevant data producers and how to navigate data repositories of secondary data pertinent to a research area.  
  1. Evaluate data for relevance, limitations (data may not exist), and ethical considerations, including access, privacy, Indigenous data sovereignty. 
  1. Demonstrate critical assessment during the session through examples and reflection

This class shows how policy research can drive real-world impact. Students will explore how policy is made in Canada, learn to find and evaluate government and grey literature, and assess bias and credibility across sources. Through hands-on activities, participants will gain the skills to research, analyze, and engage with policy issues for both academic work and advocacy. 

Learning Outcomes  

  1. Describe how policy is developed and governed in Canada across federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous jurisdictions. 
  1. Discuss the roles of various interested parties, including participants, in advocating and contesting policy decisions and social change efforts. 
  1. Distinguish between key policy-relevant sources (e.g., legislation, regulatory frameworks, government reports, impact assessments, advocacy and community reports).  
  1. Apply strategic search approaches to investigate a Canadian policy issue, including defining the issue, identifying relevant jurisdictions, and selecting appropriate sources. 
  1. Evaluate policy sources by examining evidence, authority, positionality, values, and stakeholder interests, with attention to equity, inclusion, and power dynamics.