APPLY TO PSC 222 (Link will be updated for 2026/7 when IPO makes it available)

PSC 222: Field Research (4 credits)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of field research design and methods, with a focus on conducting original research. Students explore key topics including research question development, case selection, variable operationalization, data collection techniques, and ethical considerations. Through in class seminars students gain practical skills to navigate fieldwork. The course culminates in a student- and faculty-designed research project. Students leave the course prepared to carry out independent, ethical, and methodologically sound research in diverse real-world settings. 

IDEAL STUDENT:
Any student on campus who is eligible to take a travel course is welcome. All you need is intellectual curiosity. The course has no prerequisites, and while it is offered through the Political Science department, it has drawn students from across all four of UTampa's colleges. 

Students who get the most out of the experience come with varied interests: some are drawn to Africa, some to political science, and some to research. Each year, community members in the villages of Nabdam select a research question they would like answered. Students who enter the course without a research project of their own join a team working toward that answer. Those who enter with an existing project from a thesis or independent study may use the course to advance their own inquiry instead. 

During the semester in Tampa, students transform a research question into a full research design: identifying variables from the literature, developing strategies for operationalizing those variables, and determining case selection approaches. In Ghana, over two weeks, students put that design into action by collecting data and training local research assistants to follow established protocols. 

Students who complete the course return to Tampa with a novel dataset suitable for a conference paper or journal article, along with field research and intercultural communication skills to add to their résumé. It is an adventure you will remember for years, and the skills you develop are precisely the kind that are unlikely to be automated anytime soon.

PROFESSOR:
Kevin S. Fridy (kfridy@ut.edu), Professor of Political Science and International Studies
WHERE: Ghana, West Africa
WHEN: On Campus (Spring 2027), In Ghana (May 9-23, 2027)*
COST: $3,700 (excluding international airfare)*
DEADLINE: November 1, 2026*

Video Itinerary

Testimonials

"My life trajectory changed after my trip to Ghana. I will always cherish my time exploring the entirety of the country, from the villages to the variety of beautiful people I met throughout. It inspired me to think about the type of questions we should be asking to identify sustainable solutions that benefit the world and all it’s cultures." - Devon (2019)

"When I first turned to my mom 2 years ago and said 'I want to go to Ghana' she looked at me like I had drunk Koolaid. Today, as, a senior graduating with 2 degrees, an alumni of the Timothy M. Smith honors travel grant and now, a Fulbright grantee, I can promise you neither her, nor I, view myself the same. It was the time I spent in Ghana that I developed a love for international cultural immersion, developed the empowerment that comes from introspective exploration, and really appreciated the notion of what it means to be a global citizen. The Ghana trip served as the best platform for instilling these passions within me while serving to challenge me and foster my personal and academic growth in ways I could not have anticipated before participating in the course." - Victoria (2016)

"My trip to Ghana was the trip of a lifetime. I carry lessons in business, culture and love with me daily from the wonderful people I was able to meet." - Leo (2014)

"My travels to Ghana immersed me in a different culture and way of life as well as connected my academic background with real experiences to the challenges of development, democracy and governance. From this experience I grew a deeper connection not only to Ghana but for the African continent. I furthered my studies on Africa in graduate school and took internships pertaining to Africa, which enabled me to get a position at the International Republican Institute in their Africa division in Washington D.C." - Rachel (2014)

"The Ghana course ultimately erased all doubts I had about pursuing a career in international development. It was an important stepping stone towards my attainment of a Masters in International Development from a UK university and the Ghana community development trip was worthwhile experience for my entry into the development field." - Thierry (2012)

"The program was incredible! Very well organized, and gave you a new work perspective through getting deeply involved with an incredible village in West Africa. Thought how to think outside of the box to create innovative ways to help a community, and have so much fun experiencing all Ghana has to offer. 10/10 recommend." - Sasha (2011)

"Participating in the UT Ghana course as a sophomore opened the door to a number of academic and professional opportunities. My group project for the course was to establish a small community library. Upon my return to Tampa, I continued to pursue my interest in education by working as an intern at the Akilah Institute for Women, a non-profit organization started by a Tampa native that provides higher education and training opportunities for young women in Rwanda. These experiences led to a semester abroad at Oxford University as part of the UT Honors program and after graduation, I returned to Europe to pursue my Masters in International Relations. Today, I am working in Paris, France at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the Directorate for Education and Skills. Dr. Fridy's UT Ghana course was undoubtedly an important catalyst that has helped shape my career today." - Caitlyn (2010)

"UT's study abroad in Ghana was my first experience traveling in Africa, and it certainly contributed to my decision to pursue a career in international development. After graduating from UT, I returned to the region as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and later pursued a Master of Public Health and transitioned to a large humanitarian organization that focuses on empowering women and girls around the world. At the very least, this course will open students' eyes to the diversity of the world they live in-- and for some, it may well be one step towards defining their life's passion and work." - Erin (2010)

“My experience in Ghana was completely unforgettable. The people were so friendly, the culture was fascinating, and I’m still talking about my experiences in Nangodi and beyond over 10 years later. I’d go back in a heartbeat.” – Sarah (2010)

"Over a decade later, still the most memorable trip I’ve ever taken. Cultural immersion from the time spent on our projects, made for an unforgettable experience. Would love to go back!" - Tian (2010)