SYLLABUS

University of Maryland

College Park

Course Number: EDCP 778

Credit Hours: Three

Term: V/2000-2001

Course Title: Research Proposal Seminar

Text: No assigned text.

Supplementary Materials:

American Psychological Association. (1994). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Author

University of Maryland. (current). Guide to the seminar paper. University of Maryland System.

Meetings: 2/3 June (Germany), 14/15 July (England), 0900-1700 hours.

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.

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
6. instructor. Electronic communications are encouraged.
7. Forms: Various course forms will be provided and reviewed during the
8. first session. One will include the participation requirements and another will be the oral review form for the MA students taking the oral review.
9. MA students will accomplish a 30-minute oral defense of the paper.
10. Two complete final copies of the seminar paper are required.

NOTE: Individual attention will be given to each student. Electronic communications may be used; however, final hard copies of inputs are required for noting and marking.

:

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. Since this course is heavily dependent upon individual interaction with the instructor, students will be provided substantial attention and direction to warrant top marks. Only when inadequate or inattention to guidance is noted will points be deducted. 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.

Participation: After the first weekend, this course is mainly on a one-for-one basis; that is, the instructor will meet or communicate individually with each student (normally at least every two weeks). 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. Total value is 30 points.

Policies: Academic integrity and standards will be met at all times. Student communications are vital to the success of this course. Although students may be involved in other courses and work, status of this course work will be communicated at established intervals. A mentor may also be very helpful to students and each student is encouraged to discuss the seminar paper with an 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; therefore, any missed work must be made up or the student may not be allowed to continue in the course. 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 cause for instructor assessment.

First Weekend Sessions:

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.