SYLLABUS

University of Maryland

College Park

 

Course Number:  EDCP 778

Credit Hours:  Three

Term:  V/2001-2002  , 8 June – 11 October  2002

 

Instructor:  Dr. Ken J. Kovach                      Availability: Upon appointment                          

                 100 MSS                                            KJKovach@cs.com

                  PSC 37, Box 3414

                 APO AE 09459                                  Home Phone/fax:  01353-860671

                                   

Course Title: Research Proposal Seminar

 

Text:  No assigned text.

 

Supplementary Materials:

American Psychological Association.  (2001).  Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (5th ed.).  Washington, DC:  Author

University of Maryland. (2002, Jan).  Guide to the seminar paper.  University of Maryland System. 

 

Meetings:  8/9 June 2002, 0900-1700 hours.

Room: RAF Mildenhall (Room TBA).

 

Course Description:  An introduction to research methodology and principles of research for the professional as a researcher and a consumer of published research.  Particular attention is given to the application of research to current counseling issues and trends.  Students are required to do readings in research and to complete a major seminar paper.

 

General:  Although there is no specific text for this course, there are many research publications available for additional guidance.  Several of these will be discussed at the first class meeting.  During the first meeting, all necessary paperwork, scheduling forms, and course requirements will be discussed/completed. A complete review of the seminar paper format will be accomplished during the first meeting. All other course work will be conducted on a one-t-one basis between the instructor and each student.

 

Procedures for Seminar Papers:

1.      Type all drafts or use a word processor.

2.      Follow instructor, University of Maryland's Guide to the Seminar Paper, and APA Manual guidance, in that order.

3.      Always submit the previous reviewed draft with a corrected draft paper, unless instructed otherwise.

4.      Five working days will be the normal turnaround time for any drafts.  Do not expect earlier reviews.

5.      All individual advisory sessions will be personally scheduled with the instructor. Electronic communications are encouraged.

6.      Forms: Various course forms will be provided and reviewed during the first session. One will include the participation requirements and another will be the oral review form for the MA students taking the oral review.

7.      MA students will accomplish a 30-minute oral defense of the paper.

8.      One complete final hard copy plus all files on a disc are required.

 

Grading:  

Seminar Paper          80 points                    A = 90 – 100 points

Participation              20  ’’                            B = 80 -  89  ’’

      Total                      100 points                  C = 70 -  79 ’’

                                                                        F = below 70 points

 

Seminar Paper:  Excellent papers will receive top point value; thereafter, points will be deducted for content or presentation, based on quality. Lack of adequate content, misspelling, poor grammar, inaccurate punctuation, improper citing and referencing, and other form and style requirements are examples of loss of points.  For students taking the MA program, the oral defense is part of participation. This course is heavily dependent upon individual interaction with the instructor, but student support groups are recommended. Inadequate or inattention to guidance provided will result in loss of report points. The key to all course work is COMMUNICATION with the instructor. Any questions, please ask your instructor at the earliest. Additionally, students may work with a subject matter expert (mentor) who will provide guidance for the paper completion: however, final paper requirements remain the jurisdiction of the course instructor. Total value is 80 points.

 

Participation:  Discussion will be held on all aspects of the seminar paper the first weekend; thereafter, attention will be given to various parts of the required report during each instructor-student interaction.  Each student must adhere to academic integrity and present a positive approach to learning. MA students will accomplish an oral defense at an established time/place to present a 30-minute briefing on the seminar paper. See the oral defense form for areas considered. Class time will involve reviewing the various components of the seminar paper as indicated in the following topics, objectives, and assignments. These are applicable to various class sessions; however, they will be used to review the details of the course requirement. Total participation value is 20 points.

 

Policies:  Academic integrity and standards will be met at all times. Student communications are vital to the success of this course. A mentor may also be very helpful to students and each student is encouraged to discuss the seminar paper with a mentor who willingly accepts to support the student. The second oral defense faculty member will be decided by UM officials with advice of the instructor. The first weekend session is vital to understanding the seminar paper requirements, and various topics outlined below will be discussed. The instructor reserves the right to alter the course schedule and policies to facilitate student learning, but advance notice will be provided for any changes necessary.  Unacceptable student behavior will be suitably assessed.

 

Weekend Class Schedule

Session                                  Topic

 

8/9 June 2002                       Introduction/Orientation

                                                Seminar Paper Guide

                                                APA Manual

                                                Research designs

Objectives:

1.      Understand the course requirements.

2.      Discuss seminar report topics.

3.      Know required forms to be used.

4.      Discuss APA writing rules.

5.      Understand application of an appropriate research design.

 

Assignments: Review the APA Manual and read the Seminar Paper guide. Think of a suitable topic for either a research proposal or a program proposal and be prepared to discuss its application.

                                                Introduction

                                                Statement of Need

                                                Need for the Study

                                                Defining terms

Objectives:

1.      Discuss the Introduction chapter for research reports.

2.      Understand the required components.

3.      Discuss APA applications.

                                                Review of the Literature

                                                Statement of the Hypothesis(es)

                                                Research Question

                                                MA versus Med Chapter III components

                                                Oral defense

Objectives:

1.      Understand formulation of a research hypothesis or research question and the null and alternate hypotheses.

2.      Discuss reviewing sources of information.

3.      Discuss Methodology and Implications for Counselors.

4.      Prepare for completing the oral defense.

 

                        Summary and Discussion

                                                Intervention Program

                                                References

                                                Appendices

Objectives:

1.      Understand necessary components for the seminar paper.

2.      Discuss development of References.

3.      Discuss development of Appendices, to include a Gantt chart.             

 

Assignments: Review the APA and Seminar Paper Guide. Consider application of research relative to personal choice.          

 

SEMINAR PAPER TIMEFRAME

 

 It is imperative that students realize the process of excellent professional writing is based on sequential planning, continuous feedback, and careful revisions. Consequently, the framework and timeline provided must be strictly followed. Please plan your schedule carefully so that you do not miss deadlines. The instructor is available to preview any assignments prior to submission dates but will grant extensions very sparingly and only under verifiable circumstances such as military TDY orders, and other non-personal situations.

 

Due Dates:

 

Conclusion of initial meeting –Draft title page, outline of seminar report, hypotheses or research question. Note: Outline depends on selection of research or intervention proposal.

 

8 July 2002 – Draft of Chapters 1 & 2.

 

22 July 2002 – Final copies of Chapters 1 & 2.

 

19 August 2002 – Draft of Chapter 3.

 

9 September 2002 – Final copy of Chapter 3 and draft of Chapters 4/5, as appropriate.

 

23 September 2002 – Final copy of Chapters 4/5 and draft of Abstract, Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, References, and Appendices, as appropriate. Selection of second faculty member for oral presentation (MA program).

 

3 October 2002 – Final paper to instructor and 2^nd faculty member for oral presentation preparation.

 

7 – 11 October 2002 – Oral presentation (MA)

 

11 October 2002 – Final copy and signed title page to Graduate office.

 

Short Biography:     

Dr. Ken J. Kovach has been teaching since 1981 for various universities and for the University of Maryland since 1993. His main subjects include management and research and statistics. Having taught over 400 higher education courses, he continually seeks to facilitate student learning with a focus on writing and research skills.

            Ken has developed various undergraduate and graduate courses and seminars, conducted research practicums with Nova University, authored various works to include Corporate Aviation Management and the seminar paper guide, and participated in many professional programs. He participates as a professional journal referee and has developed a professional aviation management program for the National Business Aviation Association.

            He earned his bachelor of science in business at the University of Tennessee, a master of arts in guidance and counseling at Wayne State University, and doctorate of education in higher education at Nova University. Ken lives in England.