Summary
This Summer the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement (CCSE) will continue this amazing tradition of scholarship engagement by offering the inaugural Video Research Institute (VRI). Led by the CCSE’s newest team member – Dr. Bryce J. Dietrich – the VRI is an invitation-only educational and research opportunity for graduate and postdoctoral students in all social science disciplines.
In 1992, Dr. Robert X. Browning pioneered the inaugural national research conference dedicated to the analysis of data extracted from the C-SPAN Archives. Over the ensuing years, this groundbreaking initiative has culminated in the generation of an impressive nine volumes of pioneering research based on the wealth of audio, video and textual information within the C-SPAN Archives. This enduring legacy underscores the impact and significance of the conference in advancing our understanding of research using archival digital data.
This Summer the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement (CCSE) will continue this amazing tradition of scholarship engagement by offering the inaugural Video Research Institute (VRI). Led by the CCSE’s newest team member – Dr. Bryce J. Dietrich – the VRI is an invitation-only educational and research opportunity for graduate and postdoctoral students in all social science disciplines.
At the VRI, students will learn state-of-the-art techniques to analyze over 278,776 videos available at the C-SPAN Video Library. Sitting firmly between active and experiential learning, participants will be given tutorials on the latest methods and work with one another on research projects to be presented at the end of the institute.
The first video research conference was held so scholars could present research that utilized the C-SPAN archives as well as to show others what we were doing here at Purdue. The Video Research Institute aims to achieve a similar end through curriculum designed to give students the tools necessary to utilize video data, like what is housed at the C-SPAN Archives, in their own research.
The CCSE’s mission is to broaden awareness, expand access, and increase utilization of the C-SPAN Video Library in higher education through initiatives that support research, learning, and engagement. By giving participants ample time to collaborate during each session, the VRI will undoubtedly help advance the CCSE’s research mission. However, with the help of Dr. Dietrich, what students will learn will also be of great service, especially since it is being offered free-of-charge to all students, allowing us to engage a broader audience.
When Dr. Browning began recording C-SPAN in 1987, he knew what was being discussed on the channel was of immense importance, which is why he has continuously strived to highlight and encourage research that utilizes this incredible resource. The VRI is the latest step in this life-long journey and something that the entire CCSE staff is excited about debuting this summer, which is why we encourage all to apply.
However, time is running out. Please consult our project website for the most up-to-date information so you can participate in this exciting new chapter in C-SPAN research.