.
Michael J. Cohen,
Ed.D.
Lead Faculty
Greenwich
University Applied Ecopsychology
RES 990: Research in Applied Ecopsychology/Integrated Ecology (1 credit)
Research Preparation Program
Institute of Global Education
Subject: RES 990: DISSERTATION RESEARCH
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RES 990: DISSERTATION RESEARCH (9 credits)
RES 990: Dissertation Research (9 credits)
Participants prepare a faculty-approved dissertation proposal
or proposal
for a project in lieu of dissertation as the minimum requirement
for this
course. All aspects of the research project are governed by university
guidelines and the research parameters of the degree field. The
dissertation must represent mastery of a body of knowledge and
an original
contribution to the field of study. The dissertation is expected
to be a
minimum of 100 double-spaced typewritten pages, conform to an
approved
manual of style and the University's guidelines, including proper
referencing of the literature. The final dissertation document
must be
approved and signed by the members of the student's graduate
committee.
PREREQUISITES
Participants must complete all academic coursework and successfully
pass
the Admissions to Candidacy Examination ("A" exam)
before enrolling in this
final required course.
COURSE TOPICS
*building effective dissertation proposals
*building meaningful proposal for projects in lieu of dissertation
*selecting and narrowing a research topic
*justification of need for the project
*establishing an effective research plan
*selecting an appropriate research methodology
*using a style manual
*building the academic argument and scholarly presentation
*presenting valid findings
*testing the results
*identifying limitations of the study
*drawing appropriate conclusions
*deriving recommendations
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The cornerstone of graduate degree work, after all preparatory
coursework
is completed, is the final project. It may take any of several
forms,
quantitative, qualitative, or participatory action research,
or a major
project demonstrating excellence, depending upon the expectations
of the
program faculty. It whatever form it takes, it must represent
original
work by the participant. At the masters level, it is the demonstration
of
mastery of an advanced body of knowledge in a given field. At
the Doctoral
level, it is an original contribution to the field.
The final project will take the form
of a standard "traditional" academic
dissertation of 100 or more typewritten pages. The document will
conform
to the guidelines of the University, the expectations of faculty,
and an
acceptable style manual. The final project may also be conducted
as a
major project or an original work of the student, with the permission
of
the lead faculty, and conducted in compliance with the written
guidelines
governing such projects.
This research preparation course is intended
to empower the participants:
*to effectively plan and prepare to complete a major work of
research (or a
major project in lieu of research) which permits the demonstration
of
excellence within the student's general area of study.
*to state a problem or formulate an hypothesis for intensive
study and research.
*to prepare an overall design of a project, an experiment or
a critical
analysis and synthesis in the chosen field of study.
*to plan for the effective interpretation of data and information
from the
planned study, to determine techniques for drawing valid conclusions
*to understand the proper manner of reporting results to other
scholars
within the field of study.
*to understand guidelines that govern the structuring of the
academic
argument, the presentation of the scholarly discussion, and the
formatting
of the document.
BRIEF NEED STATEMENT
Effective preparation is the first key to an thesis or dissertation.
A
great deal of literature exists in support of building an effective
dissertation and thesis and sufficient time must be dedicated
to reviewing
appropriate University materials and recommended guidebooks to
gain
sufficient orientation to the standards, procedures, and expectations
of
the effective thesis or dissertation process.
COURSE AUDIENCE
This course is closed to all students except Doctoral students
admitted to
candidacy.
FACULTY-STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS
-Telephone Contacts
The student will initiate an initial telephone conference with
the
instructor within one week of enrollment to clarify a plan of
action for
the course. This initial contact will help familiarize the student
and
instructor with one another, and permit the transmission of clear
expectations for completion of course requirements. At least
a monthly
telephone contact, at the student's expense, should be continued
for the
duration of the course.
-Email Communications
Frequent email communications between student and instructor
should be
initiated and continued for the duration of the course. Email
communication may require up to three or more exchanges per week.
-Alternative Communications
Students may send communications and materials via postal service
and fax,
as appropriate.
COURSE DELIVERY STYLE
Participants will gather supportive books and materials and conduct
extensive reading before undertaking the preparation of the formal
research
(or project) proposal. Participants will maintain journal notations
of the
salient points of the literature. Upon preparation of the complete
first
draft of the proposal, participants will submit the document
for peer
review. Following peer review, participants will prepare and
submit a
final draft of the proposal for formal review by the instructor,
before it
is signed and sent to the dean for final approval.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Participants are required to make use of the materials provided
by the
University, as follows, and to select a style manual to conform
their
written work. It is highly recommended that participants also
select a
thesis or dissertation research guide and a writing guide to
support their
project and preparation of the manuscript.
-Required Materials Provided by the University
University Catalogue
Program Handbook
Degree Program Overview
-Required Style Manual (select one)
American Psychological Association, (1983),Publication Manual
of the
American Psychological Associaion, Third Edition. Washington
D. C. 208 p.
(paper).
Australian Government Publishing Service(1988).Style Manual for
Authors,
Editors and Printers. Fourth Edition. Canberra: Australian Government
Publishing Service. 409 p.(paper).
The University of Chicago Press (1982). The Chicago Manual of
Style: a
manual of style revised and expanded. Thirteenth Edition. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press. 738p. (hard).
Turabian, Kate L. (1973). A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses, and
Dissertations. Fourth Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago
Press, 216 p.
(paper).
Modern Language Association, (1977). MLA Handbook for Writers
of Research
Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. First Edition. New York: The
Modern
Language Association. 163 p. (paper).
American Institute of Biological Sciences (1978) Council of Biological
Editors Style Manual: A Guide for Authors, Editors, and Publishers
in the
Biological Sciences, Fourth edition. Arlington, VA: American
Institute of
Biological Sciences.
Harvard Law Review Association (1986) A Uniform System of Citation.
Cambridge, MA: Harvard Law Review Association.
American Medical Association (1966) Style Book and Editorial
Manual, Fourth
Edition. Chicago: American Medical Association.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
-Assignment #1: Conceptualizing the Project
Under the direction of the instructor, and referring carefully
to the
materials provided by the University, a style manual, a thesis
or
dissertation research guide, and a writing guide, begin conceptualizing
your project. First, identify your goal for research (or major
project).
Search Research Abstracts and local graduate university libraries
for
thesis or dissertation manuscripts with similar topics and methods
and give
these materials a careful review. With reference to the literature
in
research methods, select a research methodology which is highly
appropriate for the focus of your research. Conduct library research
and
reading to identify the major existing research literature in
support of
your project. Identify literature which justifies the need for
the
project, as well as materials which effectively inform your work.
Build a
workable data gathering plan and conceptualize your techniques
for
evaluation of the data. Prepare your thinking with regard to
structuring
the thesis or dissertation manuscript. Carefully maintain journal
notations of the salient points of all readings and your reflections
in
preparation for the project proposal.
-Assignment #2: Annotated Bibliography
Conduct a major search for available literature in support of
your proposed
research topic. Identify the primary works which inform the area
of
research. Conceptualize the thesis question, the theoretical
foundation
for the study, and methodology for conduct of the project. Carefully
review the essential literature concerning this thesis, maintain
journal
notations, and build a brief annotated bibliography clarifying
the
essential literature in support of your project. This bibliography
need
not exceed twenty entries.
-Assignment #3: Research Plan
With the guidance of the instructor, read the literature related
to the
research methodology you wish to use in conduct of your project.
Also
review a number of related theses and dissertations in the field
which
utilize similar research methods. Maintain journal notations
concerning
the salient points of the readings.
According to the directions of the instructor,
prepare a first draft of the
research plan. This draft should include, at a minimum:
*a one page abstract of the proposed project
*an introduction of the topic
*a statement of the research question(s)
*a brief definition of terms
*a review of the relevant research and theory
*a thorough discussion of the project procedures to include,
a
clarification of the conceptual framework to be employed, the
sources,
evidence, and authority to which you will refer, the analytical
technique
and research design, and a timetable for completing the project.
-Assignment #4: Manuscript Outline
Conceptualize the proposed framework of the research manuscript,
by
preparing a project manuscript outline in the format of an expanded
table
of contents. Divide the outline into proposed chapter headings
(Roman
Numerals), subchapter headings (capital letters), section headings
(Arabic
numbers), and subsection headings (small case letters). The chapter
headings should follow the recommendations of the selected style
manual.
The subchapter headings are used to identify the major elements
of each
chapter. The section headings break down the chapter into still
more
defined areas. The subsections can be used identify the flow
of the
manuscript from start to finish, clarifying the importance of
the study,
the research methodology, the derivation and testing of the theses
questions, the presentation of the academic argument, the progress
of the
scholarly discussion, referencing of the literature, identification
and
interpretation of the findings, limitations of the study, conclusions
to me
made, final recommendations, and other essentials of the manuscript.
-Assignment #5: Peer Review
Submit your draft proposal to two colleagues familiar with the
research
topic for peer review, red lining (editing) of the document,
and
recommendations for improvement of content and clarity. Include
the
research plan, the annotated bibliography and the manuscript
outline.
Based upon the outcome of the peer review process, restructure
your
materials into a formal research proposal of approximately 20
double spaced
typewritten pages. Attach your data gathering instruments and
a brief
annotated bibliography. Attach evidence of the peer review, including
the
names and contact information of the peer reviewers and their
written
comments.
-Assignment #6: Formal Research Proposal
Package
Submit the final draft of the research proposal for formal review
by the
instructor. Include the project plan, the annotated bibliography,
the
manuscript outline, and evidence of the peer review process.
You will
receive written feedback concerning all aspects of the research
proposal
and recommendations for final rework of the proposal. Once the
proposal
meets the expectations of the instructor, it will be signed,
and submitted
to the Dean for final approval. Upon final approval, the document
will be
submitted to the University for entry to your permanent record.
It is at
this stage that you will be formally authorized to begin conduct
of the
project and preparation of the manuscript.
SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING RESOURCES
-Recommended Thesis and Dissertation
Research Guides
*Madsen, David (1992). Successful Dissertations and Theses: A
guide to
graduate student research from proposal to completion. Second
Edition. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. 216 p. (paper)
*Meloy, Judith M. (1994) Writing the Qualitative Dissertation:
Understanding by Doing. Lawrence Erlbaum Association, 128 p.
(paper)ISBN
0805814175
*Sternberg, David (1981) How to Complete and Survive a Doctoral
Dissertation. New York: St. Martin's Press. 231 p. (paper) ISBN
0312396066
*Davis, Gordon B., and Parker, Clyde A. (1997) Writing the Doctoral
Dissertation: A Systemic Approach, Second Edition. Woodbury,
NY: Barron's
Educational Series. 160 p. (paper) ISBN 0812098005
*Cone, John D., and Foster, Sharon L., (1993) Dissertations and
Theses from
Start to Finish: Psychology and Related Fields. 349 p. (paper)
-Writing Guides
*Williams, J. M. (1990) Style: Toward Clarity and Grace. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press.
*Strunk, W. and White, E. B. (1979) The Elements of Style, Third
Edition.
New York: MacMillan.
Growers, E. (1962)The Complete Plain Words. New York: Penguin
*Cook, C. K. (1985) Line by Line: How to Edit Your Own Writing.
Boston;
Houghton Mifflin.
*Barzun, J. (1986) On Writing, Editing, and Publishing: Essays,
Explicative, Hortatory. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
*Baker, S. (1981) The Practical Stylist, Fifth Edition. New York:
Harper
Collins.
*Leggett, G., Mead, D.D., and Charvat, W. (1988) Prentice-Hall
Handbook
for Writers, Tenth Edition). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
*McCrimmon, J. (1988) Writing with a Purpose, Ninth Edition.
Boston:
Houghton Mifflin.
-English Grammar Resources
*Stilman, Anne (1997) Grammatically Correct, The Writer's Essential
Guide
to Punctuation . 352 p. (Hardcover) ISBN: 0898797764
*Peters, Pam (1995) The Cambridge Australian English Style Guide.
(hardcover)
ISBN: 0521434017
*Princeton Language Institut. 21st Century Grammar Handbook.
316 p.
(paperback)
ISBN: 0440215080
*Moss, Norman British/American Language Dictionary: for More
Effective
Communication Between Americans and Britons. (paperback) ISBN:
0844291161
-Supplemental Readings in Research
(See attached Bibliography)
INDIVIDUALIZATION OF STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS
The topic of research and technique for the final project will
be proposed
by the participant under the direction of the lead faculty. This
will
permit maximum individualization of the project to the interests
of the
student.
COURSE EVALUATION
The student's work will be evaluated based upon a review of the
components
of the research proposal, including the research plan, the annotated
bibliography, the manuscript outline, and evidence of the peer
review
process.
COURSE GRADING DETERMINANTS
The course grade will be calculated based upon the following
formula:
*research plan 50%
*annotated bibliography 20%
*manuscript outline 20%
*peer review 10%
COURSE COMPLETION TIMETABLE
Participants will have a maximum course time for any one course
shall be 6
months.
WEEK #1: Initiate first telephone contact
with the instructor for the
purpose of clarifying the plan of action for the course.
WEEK #2: Make first email contact with
instructor, sending email including
written plan of action for instructor's feedback. Begin conceptualizing
the research project according to the instructions in assignment
#1, and
initiate assigned reading of University materials. Maintain journal
notations related to the salient points of the readings. In collaboration
with the instructor, identify and purchase a style manual and
other
materials, as deemed essential for effective completion of the
research
plan and the project.
WEEK #4: Complete the library research
elements in preparation for
building the research plan. Begin indepth evaluation of the reading
materials, maintain complete and careful notations of the salient
points of
all readings.
WEEK #8: Carefully complete preparatory
readings and build an effective
annotated bibliography.
WEEK #10: Prepare the research plan elements of the proposal.
WEEK #12: Design the proposed manuscript outline.
WEEK #14: Submit first draft of the research proposal package to peer review.
WEEK # 16: Make final changes in the
documents and submit final draft of
the research proposal package for review and approval by the
instructor.
WEEK #18: Feedback will be received from the instructor.
WEEK #20: Corrected version of research
proposal will be received by the
instructor for signing and submission to the dean from final
approval.
WEEK #24: Contact instructor for final feedback.
SPECIAL NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE #1: Accelerated Progress
Students may progress through this course at a faster pace, as
appropriate,
and under the careful direction of the Committee Chair.
NOTE #2: Grace Period
Students are encouraged to complete the course assignments well
within 180
days allowed. However, on occasion, and as the situation merits,
faculty
may voluntarily extend a 90 day grace period for students who
have
circumstances which have made it unduly difficult or impossible
for them to
complete the course requirements within the 180 days. Students
should
request the grace period in writing from the instructor well
before the end
of the semester.
NOTE #3: Leaves of Absence
Under special circumstances, students may request and can be
awarded formal
leaves of absence from their studies. Students would not be required
to
pay tuition for any new semesters which occur during the period
of leave.
It is anticipated that a leave of absence will begin for most
students
immediately following successful completion and approval of the
formal
research proposal. The leave would extend to the next or subsequent
point
of enrollment, should the student require completion of additional
studies
related to the final project. A leave of absence related to the
dissertation will be allowed to extend through the completion
of research
study, the preparation of the first draft of the manuscript,
defense of
dissertation, and submission of the final approved manuscript.
Leaves of
absence related to the final project will count toward the maximum
allowed
period for completion of the degree. Written requests for leaves
of
absence should be submitted to the Chair of the student's committee
for
approval and confirmation with the Dean of the college.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
For the faculty contact information, please refer to the Lead
Faculty
Information section of the Program Overview. If unclear of contact
information, communicate immediately with the University Administration.
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTAL READINGS
#####
SPECIAL NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE #1: Accelerated Progress
Students may progress through this course at a faster pace, as appropriate,
and under the careful direction of the Committee Chair.
NOTE #2: Grace Period
Students are encouraged to complete the course assignments well within
180 days allowed. However, on occasion, and as the situation merits, faculty
may voluntarily extend a 90 day grace period for students who have
circumstances which have made it unduly difficult or impossible for them to
complete the course requirements within the 180 days. Students should
request the grace period in writing from the instructor well before the end
of the semester.
NOTE #3: Leaves of Absence
Under special circumstances, students may request and can be awarded
formal leaves of absence from their studies. Students would not be required
to pay tuition for any new semesters which occur during the period of leave.
It is anticipated that a leave of absence will begin for most students
immediately following successful completion and approval of the formal
research proposal. The leave would extend to the next or subsequent point
of enrollment, should the student require completion of additional studies
related to the final project. A leave of absence related to the thesis or
dissertation will be allowed to extend through the completion of research
study, the preparation of the first draft of the manuscript, defense of
thesis or dissertation, and submission of the final approved manuscript.
Leaves of absence related to the final project will count toward the
maximum allowed period for completion of the degree. Written requests for
leaves of absence should be submitted to the Chair of the student's
committee for approval and confirmation with the Dean of the college.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
For the faculty contact information, please refer to the Lead Faculty
Information section of the Program Overview. If unclear of contact
information, communicate immediately with the University Administration.
#####
Project NatureConnect
Institute of Global Education
Special NGO consultant to United Nations Economic and Social
Council.
P.O. Box 1605 Friday Harbor WA 98250
(360) 378-6313
www.ecopsych.com