Dissertation - Journal Reflection on Topic Ideas

Graduate School

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Information

DSRT736 - Dissertation Seminar

Course Description

This course provides guided instruction on the design and writing of a dissertation proposal focused on organization- based research. Course activities are intended to

strengthen skills in writing, project design, and research methods. Prerequisite: DSRT 734 and DSRT 837

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course:

Students will recognize the components of a sound doctoral research proposal.

Students will articulate clearly the focus of their doctoral research.

Students will assess literature relevant to their dissertation or project.

Students will complete a working draft of the literature review for their dissertation or doctoral project.

Learner Outcomes

Students will successfully submit a topic for departmental approval.

Students will draft chapter two, with references, following APA format.

Course Website

Access to the course website is required via the iLearn portal on the University of the Cumberlands website: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/ilearn/

or h ttps://ucumberlands.blackboard.com/

Required Books and Resources

Title: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association

ISBN: 9781433832178

Authors: American Psychological Association Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Date: 2019-10-01

Title: Writing a Successful Thesis Or Dissertation

ISBN: 9781412942256

Authors: Fred C. Lunenburg, Beverly J. Irby Publisher: Corwin Press

Publication Date: 2008-01-01

Title: Doctoral Research Handbook

Subtitle: https://ucumberlands.app.box.com/s/p4alad7kevv58zhops2igulktt2a66h2

Course Required text can be found and purchased via the UC Barnes and Noble Bookstore: h ttps://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/page/find-textbooks

Requirements and Policies

A cademic Dishonesty Policy

As a Christian liberal arts university committed to the pursuit of truth and understanding, any act of academic dishonesty is especially distressing and cannot be tolerated. In general, academic dishonesty involves the abuse and misuse of information or people to gain an undeserved academic advantage or evaluation.

The common forms of academic dishonesty include:

1. cheating – using deception in the taking of tests or the preparation of written work, using unauthorized materials, copying another person’s work with or without consent, or assisting another in such activities;

2. lying – falsifying, fabricating, or forging information in either written or spoken presentations;

3. plagiarism –

using the published writings, data, interpretations, or ideas of another without proper documentation.

Episodes of academic dishonesty are reported as appropriate to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The potential penalty for academic dishonesty includes 1) a failing grade on a particular assignment, 2) a failing grade for the entire course, 3) suspension or expulsion, or (4) revocation of a degree.

Attendance Policy

Course enrollment and participation will be monitored and verified for all students during the first two weeks of classes. Lack of participation during this time may

jeopardize enrollment status. Each student is expected to meet course expectations by completing the coursework required each week. Active participation and staying abreast of the material is essential to success. Program specific attendance policies may still

apply.

E xecutive Residency Attendance Policy

Attendance to each Executive Residency class session is mandatory. Students may make-up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their

academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the University.

Each student must be in attendance for the entire duration of the required residency weekend. Late arrivals and/or early departures are not permitted. Punctuality is important as each student is required to have the documented in-seat time per course requirements.

A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a

$300 Residency Make-Up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the schedule residency session was missed. Make-Up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive

program.

P articip ation Policy

Study after study has linked successful academic performance with good class

participation. Those who assume positions of responsibility must “show up” in order to be effective. Therefore, students are expected to actively participate in an intelligent discussion of assigned topics in all areas (Discussion Board Activities, Synchronous

Sessions, Forums, Shared Papers, etc.) to help process course material and/or to demonstrate an understanding of course content.

Course Evaluations

The course evaluation will be open during the last two weeks of the term. To access the evaluation (during that time), visit h ttps://uofcumberlands.campuslabs.com/eval-home/ and log-in using your UC credentials. A reminder email notification will be sent when the evaluation is available.

We value your feedback. Every evaluation is confidential and anonymous. The

anonymous results of the course evaluations are not available for faculty to see until

after final grades are submitted. Your thoughtful responses guide future improvements for the course and programs.

D isability Accommodations

University of the Cumberlands accepts students with certified disabilities and provides reasonable accommodations for their certified needs in the classroom, in housing, in

food service or in other areas. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must

submit a completed Accommodations Application form and provide documentation of the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator (Keely Peterson, Boswell Campus Center, Student Services Office Suite, a ccommodations@ucumberlands.edu ). When all paperwork is on file, a meeting between the student and the Coordinator will be

arranged to discuss possible accommodations before accommodations are formally approved. Students must then meet with the Coordinator at the beginning of each semester before any academic accommodations can be certified for that term.

Certifications for other accommodations are normally reviewed annually.

Academic Appeal

Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to challenge a grade. If

discussions with the course instructor and department chair do not lead to a satisfactory conclusion, students may file a formal written appeal with the Vice President for

Academic Affairs, who will forward the appeal to the chair of the Academic Appeals Committee. This formal written appeal must be filed by the end of the 4th week of

classes in the next regular term following the term in which the course in question was

taken. The Academic Appeals Committee then gathers information from the student, the instructor, and any other relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its recommendation on the complaint to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for

Academic Affairs will inform the student and instructor of the disposition of the

complaint no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the complaint was filed. Records of all actions regarding academic grade appeals, including their final

disposition, are maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic

Appeals Committee. ( U ndergraduate Catalog/Graduate Catalog )

Student Responsibilities

Students should:

Use University of the Cumberlands email system for all academic, administrative, and co-curricular communication between faculty, staff and peers.

Check for email and class announcements using iLearn (primary) and University of the Cumberlands webmail (secondary) daily.

Demonstrate Cumberlands Character in and outside the classroom per the University Mission & Vision

Ensure you have consistent required technology for the course Participate in courses regularly to:

Find announcements and updates

Complete assignments on time. Keep in mind that all deadlines use Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Engage in discussion

Connect with fellow students and faculty

Present written work in an academic and professional manner.

Take examinations on the designated dates and times. Students should make arrangements with faculty before the designated date for any needed

accommodations.

Contact faculty or student success coordinator with questions or concerns.

Course Policies

The only authorized electronic means of academic, administrative, and co-

curricular communication between University of the Cumberlands and its students is through the UCumberlands email system (i.e. Webmail). Each student is responsible for monitoring his/her University email account frequently. This is the primary email account used to correspond with you directly by the University; imperative program information is sent to this email account specifically from

campus and program office.

Students should check for e-mail and class announcements using iLearn (primary) and University of the Cumberlands webmail (secondary).

Students are expected to find out class assignments for missed classes and make up missed work.

Students are expected to find out if any changes have been made in the class or assignment schedule.

All assignments, unless otherwise instructed, should be submitted in APA format.

Written work must be presented in a professional manner. Work that is not submitted in a professional manner will not be evaluated and will be returned as unacceptable.

There is a craft to writing. Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and diction (word usage) are all tools of that craft. Writing at the collegiate level will show careful

attention to these elements of craft. Work that does not exhibit care with regard to these elements will be considered as inadequate for college writing and graded

accordingly.

Students are expected to take the examinations on the designated dates. If you

are unable to take the exam on the scheduled date and know in advance, you are to make arrangements with your professor before the designated date. If you miss the exam, you must have a legitimate reason as determined by your professor.

Recognizing that a large part of professional life is meeting deadlines, it is necessary to develop time management and organizational skills. Failure to meet the course

deadlines may result in penalties. Keep in mind that all deadlines are set using Eastern Standard Time (EST). Late assignments will NOT be accepted.

Course Evaluation

Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance. Relative weights assigned to graded work are as follows:

1. Assignments - 74% (740 points)

2. Discussions - 9% (90 points)

3. Journals - 16.5% (165 points)

4. Quizzes - 0.5% (5 points)

The course includes a total of 1000 points for graded work.

Grading Scale

A: 90% - 100%

B: 80% - 89%

C: 70% - 79%

F: 69% or Below

Course Schedule

Week	Readings/Topics	Assignments & Due Dates
Week 1 Dates: August 23, 2021 Live Session Date: Wednesday, August 25, 2021 @ 6pm EST	Introduction to the Dissertation Process Read APA Publication Manual Chapters: 1-4 Read Chapter 1 Selecting a Suitable Topic in the textbook "Writing a Successful Thesis or Dissertation"	Student Introductions – Due: Day 6 Week 1 Assignment - APA Quiz 1 – Due:Day 7 Journal Reflection on Topic Ideas – Due: Day 7 Dissertation Timeline – Due: Day 7
	Review the A PA Style and D issertation Writing tutorial
	UC Doctoral Research (Dissertation) Handbook
Week 2 Dates: August 30, 2021 Live Session Date: Wednesday, September 1. 2021 @ 6pm EST	Selecting a Dissertation Topic, candidate responsibilities in the dissertation, and Introduction to the Literature Review Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook	Individual Consultation – Due: Day 7 Journal Reflection – Due: Day 7 Topic Approval - Due: Day 7 Dissertation Summary - Due: Day 7
Week 3 Dates: September 6, 2021	Developing the Literature Review Read APA Publication Manual Chapters: 6-7	Week 3 Discussion - Due: Day 7
Live Session Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 @ 6pm EST

Week	Readings/Topics	Assignments & Due Dates
Week 4 Dates: September 13, 2021	Library Resources Locate and read your sources for the literature review.	Topic Approval Verification - Due: Day 7
Live Session Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2021 @ 6pm EST
Week 5 Dates: September 20, 2021	Organizing and Developing the Literature Review Locate and read your sources for the literature review.	Individual Consultation – Due: Day 7 Journal Reflection – Due: Day 7
Live Session Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2021 @ 6pm EST
Week 6	Locate and read the sources for	Week 6 Discussion - Due: Day
Dates:	your literature review.	7
September 27,
2021
Week 7 Dates: October 4, 2021	Locate and read the sources for your literature review.	No assignments
Week 8 Dates: October 11, 2021	Locate and read your sources for the literature review.	Individual Consultation – Due: Day 7 Week 8 Discussion - Due: Day 7
Week 9 Dates: October 18, 2021 Live Session Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2021 @ 6pm EST	Analyzing Literature and Writing the Literature Review Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook APA Publication Manual Chapter 8	Week 9 Discussion

Week	Readings/Topics	Assignments & Due Dates
Week 10 Dates: October 25, 2021	Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook APA Publication Manual Chapter 8	No Assignment
Week 11 Dates: November 1, 2021	Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook APA Publication Manual Chapter 8	Individual Consultation – Due: Day 7 Journal Reflection – Due: Day 7
Week 12 Dates: November 8, 2021	Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook APA Publication Manual Chapter 8	Week 12 Discussion - Due: Day 7
Week 13 Dates: November 15, 2021	Read UC Graduate School Dissertation Handbook APA Publication Manual Chapter 8	No Assignment
Week 14 Dates: November 22, 2021 Live Session Date: Monday, November 22, 2021 @ 6pm EST	Preparing for Next Steps – Chapter 1 and Chapter 3 Expectations	Final Draft of Chapter 2 - Due:
Week 15 Dates: November 29, 2021	Locate and read your sources for the literature review.	Individual Consultation – Due: Day 7 Journal Reflection – Due: Day 7
Week 16 Dates: December 16, 2021	Review feedback and apply updates to the literature review. This is a short week.	No Assignment

Week	Readings/Topics	Assignments & Due Dates
		Residency: Draft – Introduction and Headings - Due: Saturday, October 23, 2021
Residency Session	Topics as appropriate for residency sessions	Residency: Chapter Two Draft – Due: Sunday, October 24, 2021 Residency: Practical Connection - Due: Sunday, October 24, 2021
		Residency: PowerPoint Presentation Due: Sunday, October 24, 2021

Syllabus Disclaimer

This syllabus contains important information critical to your success in this course. It includes guidelines for this course and the instructor’s current expectations about

content, schedule, and requirements necessary for each student to achieve the best educational results. While you must review and become familiar with the contents of this syllabus, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments or change in the syllabus from time to time. Any changes to the syllabus will be discussed with the students.