COURSE OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this course are:

• To synthesize an appropriate research question,

• To evaluate and select the proper research design for the appropriate research problem,

• To evaluate the research work of others,

• To complete a research paper based on primary or secondary data, and

• To effectively present the results of your research.

By the end of the course, you will be able to appropriately use each research technique in

your own research project so as to be able to complete a final version of your paper.  All students will are encouraged to discuss their own research efforts as well as comment on the research work of other students in the discussion area.

COURSE PURPOSE
The principle characteristic of scholarly and scientific inquiry, as opposed to informal, intuitive kinds of inquiry, is the use of rationally grounded procedures to extend knowledge regarded as reliable and valid. Therefore, this course will build on your first research course and will provide you advanced instruction in applying the methods and designs in social science research. For the majority of students this is your final class.  It is a writing intensive class that asks you to show what you have learned in the program and to display that you have learned how to conduct research with a limited amount of assistance from your professor.  Your research and writing efforts should result in a rigorous research paper.
 

Grading

In this course, as in most graduate courses, there are no extra credit assignments.

Two late assignments will automatically result in a grade of C for the class unless I have given you permission to turn in the assignment late.  I will only give permission to do so IF a MAJOR life situation has occurred unexpectedly (ie hospitalization, death in the immediate family etc.)

This syllabus is subject to change. All course participants will be notified of any changes.

Participation. Students will participate in discussions; provide input and reviews on a

timely basis. The minimum requirement is to post at least once each week. Participation

in the form of peer reviews and discussion of assignments must be substantive and

advance the discussion (defined later in course policies section). Assignments that are

graded separately (required writings) do not count towards participation.

Class Attendance. This course requires you to check into your online class at least every two days.

Late work will only be accepted due to extreme circumstances and IF permission is asked for at least 3 days prior to the due date and given.  OTHERWISE a grade of zero is given without exception.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.