EDUC 3105: First Year PhD Seminar II
Friday (bi-monthly), 1-3:30pm (revised)
5700 WWPH
Dr. Lindsay Clare Matsumura Email:
Office: 5806 Posvar Hall Office Hrs: By appointment
Phone: 412.624.6944
Dr. Heather J. Bachman (on leave) Email:
Office: 5809 Posvar Hall Office Hrs: By appointment
Phone: 412.648.7049
Recommended Readings
Lambert, N. M. (2013). Publish and prosper: A strategy guide for students and researchers. New York, NY: Routledge.
Silvia, P. J. (2007). How to write a lot: A practical guide to productive academic writing. Washington DC: American Psychological Association.
Additional required readings will be available on Courseweb or distributed in class.
Course Description and Objectives
This seminar series for first year PhD students in the SOE addresses numerous doctoral skills and competencies in preparation for their research apprenticeships and independent scholarship. The spring seminar focuses specifically on developing a research plan and proposal (literature review and questions) for a pre-dissertation research project (M1). Topics that are covered include developing research questions, writing a successful proposal, navigating the IRB process, identifying sources for funding graduate student research, and establishing a productive program of academic writing.
By the end of the spring semester, students will have prepared a literature review leading to their research questions for their proposed pre-dissertation project (Milestone 1).
Course Requirements and Grading
▪ Complete all assigned readings – Students are responsible for reading any assigned texts before class. Students’ preparedness for class will enhance our discussions as well as your understanding of the material presented.
▪ Class Participation – Students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions.
▪ Grades – Grades will be determined by completion of assignments (50%) and active participation in class discussions (50%).
Course Policies
▪ Accommodations for students with disabilities – If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and Disability Resources and Services (DRS), 140 William Pitt Union (412) 648-7890, , (412) 228-5347 for P3 ALS users, as early as possible in the term. DRS will verify your disability and determine reasonable accommodations for this course.
▪ Academic Integrity - The rights and responsibilities of faculty and students are described in the University’s Academic Integrity Guidelines at: http://www.bc.pitt.edu/policies/policy/02/02-03-02.html In the event that a student believes that the instructors for this course have not met their obligations as described in the Academic Integrity Guidelines, the student should follow the procedure described in the Guidelines (p. 16) by (1) first trying to resolve the matter with the faculty member directly; (2) then, if needed, attempting to resolve the matter through conversations with your program chair; (3) if needed, next talking to the associate dean of the school for student affairs (Dr. Mike Gunzenhauser); and (4) if needed, filing a written statement of charges with the school’s academic integrity officer.
▪ Class Assignments – Assignments are due the session following the date assigned. Extensions will be granted only for serious and unavoidable events, and the revised due date must be negotiated with the instructor at least 24 hours in advance.
▪ Incomplete Grades – are strongly discouraged and will also only be granted in extreme cases.
▪ Attendance Policy – If more than 2 classes are missed, students must schedule a meeting with the instructor to discuss whether the course can be satisfactorily completed.
Course Schedule
Class / Date / Topics / Assignments1 / 1/8 / Identifying Methodological Patterns in Research / 2 (or more) paragraph critique of methodological patterns in your area of research
Due 1/22
2 / 1/22 / Establishing a Successful Academic Writing Program
Readings:
Randolph, J.J. (2009). A guide writing the dissertation literature review. Practical Assessment, Research and Evaluation, 14(13), 1-13.
Kisa, M. T., & Stein, M. K. (2015). Learning to see teaching in new ways a foundation for maintaining cognitive demand. American Educational Research Journal, 52(1), 105-136. / Questions for IRB officer
Due 2/5
3 / 2/19 / Negotiating the IRB Approval Process for Research
Guest: Melissa Miklos, Associate Director of Education, University of Pittsburgh IRB Office / Draft of research questions
Due 2/19
4 / 2/19 / Developing Research Questions
Guidelines distributed for the proposal due at the end of the semester / *Detailed literature review outline (logic chain)
Due March 18
5 / 3/4 / Class Cancelled
6 / 3/18 / Writing a Successful Proposal
Readings: TBD
Guest lecture: Sean Kelly, Associate Professor, Administration and Policy Studies
Chair, Faculty and Student Research Committee
7 / 4/1 / Funding Your Research
Note: Please bring your laptop.
Guest Speaker: Ryan Champagne, Grants Development Coordinator, University of Pittsburgh Office of Research
8 / 4/15 / Presenting Your Research
Guest: Fiona Seels, Office of Technology, School of Education
Guidelines for advisor meeting distributed in class (planning for summer work) / Proposal due April 29
(everything up to methods section)
The statements contained in this syllabus, other than the course policies, are subject to change with reasonable advance notice as deemed acceptable by the instructors.