Involves a year-long independent research and writing project culminating in a paper of approximately 60-80 pages under the supervision of one reader with expertise in the subject area. Requires permission from the GCS director and advisory board and a proposal approved during the semester before the course is taken.

Offers students a work experience of five to ten hours per week under the direction of a workplace supervisor and a Simmons advisor. Serves as a source of information for inquiry and research. Culminates in a final paper of 20-30 pages that studies and analyzes an aspect of the work experience or site (e.g., an institutional ethnography). Requires a proposal approved during the semester prior to the internship.

Offers an opportunity to conduct field research for five to ten hours per week under the direction of a Simmons advisor. Involves gathering empirical information for a study of approximately 20-30 pages. Requires a proposal approved during the semester prior to the fieldwork and may require approval from the institutional review board for research involving human subjects.