UNIVERSITY LIGGETT SCHOOL \ SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
\ SIGNATURE PROGRAMS
Academic Research Program
The Academic Research Program (ARP) is the cornerstone of the Upper School experience and is designed to promote independent and sustained inquiry.
In ARP, students learn how to develop an original research topic, break it down into concrete steps, and problem-solve to fulfill their goals. They learn critical tools such as gathering and analyzing data, reading and annotating scholarly articles, interviewing experts and research subjects, and presenting their findings in writing and in person. The program focuses on the process of learning rather than the end product, and it builds a foundation for students to pursue their passions in college and beyond with rigor and self-sufficiency.
ARP 9
Students develop problem-solving, research, and writing skills. The students learn to gather and analyze data on real-world problems to create better solutions.
ARP 10
ARP is embedded in our US History curriculum. Students learn close reading of source materials, artifact analysis, debates, point-of-view exercises, topical projects, and essay writing. During the second semester, students develop and defend a thesis as part of a formal research paper.
ARP 11
Students explore their interests and passions to decide on a research topic that will be the subject of more than a year of sustained effort. The topic can be in any field, provided it is worthy, feasible, and engaging. The work begun in this course continues in ARP 12.
ARP 12
In this culminating phase, students build on the foundation of ARP 11 and complete a significant work of independent research. They engage in deep, sustained, independent study, guided by a faculty member and, often, an outside expert.
ARP 9
Students develop problem-solving, research, and writing skills. The students learn to gather and analyze data on real-world problems in order to create better solutions.
ARP 10
ARP is embedded in our US History curriculum. Students learn close reading of source materials, artifact analysis, debates, point-of-view exercises, topical projects and essay writing. And they develop and defend a thesis in the second semester as part of a formal research paper.
ARP 11
Students explore their interests and passions to decide on a research topic that will be the subject of more than a year of sustained effort. The topic can be in any field, as long as it is worthy, feasible, and engaging. The work begun in this course continues in ARP 12.
ARP 12
In this culminating phase of the Academic Research Program, students build on the foundation of ARP 11 and complete a significant work of independent research. They engage in deep, sustained, independent study, guided by a faculty member and, often, an outside expert.
With the help of their faculty advisor and mentor, Academic Research Program students refine and fulfill their project goals through intense research, robust interviews, journal writing, and field work. The program focuses on the process of learning rather than the end product, and supports students' understanding of what they learn.
Celebration of Research
Students present their work to experts, peers, and members of the community at the Celebration of Research.
SAMPLE ARP QUESTIONS
What is the impact of the TB12 Method on high-school athletes?
How can DNA barcoding be used to taxonomically differentiate reptile and amphibian species?
How can origami folding patterns be used to improve traditional stent grafts in the treatment of aortic aneurysms and esophageal cancer?
What is the role of Vitamin D in both the prevention of and improvement of symptoms in Multiple Sclerosis?
How can literature and art be used to develop a proper representation of anxiety and depression amongst African American children in an effort to reduce mental health stigma?