AGS 602: Page 1 Adler Graduate School Richfield, MN AGS Course 602 Developing the Master s Project 1. Course Designation and Identifier 1.1 Adler Graduate School 1.2 Course number 602 1.3 Developing the Master s Project 1.4 One (1) credit 1.5 Prerequisite: AGS 500 Principles of Research or Academic Advisor approval 2. Course Description The course provides an introduction to the process of constructing a graduate-level literature review with a specific focus on the Master s Project. Topics include choosing a topic and a title, exploring the literature, creating an outline, creating a proposal, identifying and communicating with your committee, reviewing professional literature, and summarizing the review to justify the usefulness of a proposed topic. 3. Texts, Materials and Resources (required and optional) 3.1 Required materials: 1) American Psychological Association (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 6 th ed. ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-0562-2 2) Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2015). Rules for writers,8 th ed. ISBN-13: 978-0312-647360 3.2 Recommended materials: 1) Schwartz, B.M., Landrum, R.E., & Gurung, R.A.R. (2014). An easy guide to APA style, 3 rd ed. ISBN-13: 978-1452-268392
AGS 602: Page 2 4. Competencies and Learning Outcomes Course Objectives Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to: 4.1 Define the topic, specific research question(s), and thesis statement for a graduate-level master s project. 4.2 Review and select relevant literature to support the themes in the research topic. 4.3 Create an initial outline that becomes the framework for the master s project. 4.4 Identify and select their master s project committee. 4.5 Develop a completion timeline, based on the type of project selected that incorporates appropriate time for drafting, editing, reviewing, and corrections for both the chair and reader. 4.6 Comprehend the role of Chair, Reader, and Writing Center. 4.7 Design, complete, and deliver a Poster presentation. 5. Course Outline 5.1 Unit 1 Course Overview & MP Requirements *Tuesday, July 11th (astrisk indicates on campus class meeting) 1) Overview of Syllabus 2) Reviewing the Master s Project Requirements 3) Discussing Initial Topic Ideas Introduction post on Moodle due 07/14/2017 Responses due 07/15/2017 5.2 Unit 2 Topics & Developing a Research Question Tuesday, July 18th 1) Literature Review Overview 2) Defining your Topic 3) Developing the Research Question 5.3 Unit 3 Project Description and Thesis Statement *Tuesday, July 25th 1) The Writing Process 2) Creating a Project Description Draft and Thesis Statement. Topic Overview and Research Question Post Due 7/28/2017 Responses due 07/29/2017 5.4 Unit 4 Creating an Initial Outline Tuesday, August 1st 1) Continue to gather research literature. 2) Create an initial outline of your project. Initial Outline Post Due 08/04/2017 Responses due 08/05/2017
AGS 602: Page 3 5.5 Unit 5 Committee and MP Proposal *Tuesday, August 8th 1) Reviewing the Role of the Committee members 2) Selecting your MP Chair and Reader Optional Post Only Break Week Begins Wednesday 8/9 and ends Sunday 8/13 5.6 Unit 6 Gathering Literature Resources Tuesday, August 15th 1) Gathering Peer-Reviewewd Resources 2) Creating an Initial Reference List 3) The Purpose of an Annotated Bibliography Success and Challenges Refection Due 8/15/2017 No Responses Required Initial Reference List post due 08/18/2017 No Responses Required 5.7 Unit 7 Weaving In Adlerian Individual Psychology *Tuesday, August 22nd 1) Weaving in Adlerian Individual Psychology into your Master s Project Optional Post Only Work on Annotated Bibliography due 9/15/2017 No Post 5.8 Unit 8 Annotated Bibliography Work & Posters Tuesday, August 29th 1) Continue to gather and read peer-reviewed journal articles to complete your annotated bibliography 2) Begin to work on your Poster Presentation Optional Post Only Work on Annotated Bibliography due 9/15/2017 No Post 5.9 Unit 9 Creating the Master s Proposal Tuesday, September 5th 1) Creating a template 2) Completing the MP Proposal Form 3) Developing an MP Project Time Line MP Proposal Draft due 9/8/2017 5.10 Unit 10 Poster Presentation *Tuesday, September 12th 1) The student will deliver their poster presentation to the group. Final Assignment Optional Post Only Approved Master s Project Proposal & Completion Timeline
AGS 602: Page 4 Due on or before Tuesday, September 26 th to Moodle Page 6. Special Project Time (SPT) 6.1 Special Project Time (SPT) is not needed for this course. 7. Writing Guidelines including APA Format All written assignments in courses at the Adler Graduate School, including those submitted in online courses, must be in APA format unless specifically noted by the course instructor (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6 th edition), 2009, American Psychological Association. ISBN 1-4338-0561-8). 8. Assessment/Evaluation Procedures 8.1 Assignment Overview Assignment or Activity Due Date Point Value Course Objective Addressed Online Personal Introduction & 2 Peer Responses 7/14 & 7/15 6 pts 4.1 MP Topic Overview and Res Question & 2 Peer Response 7/28 & 7/29 6 pts 4.1, 4.2 Initial Project Outline & 2 Peer Responses 8/4 & 8/5 6 pts 4.2, 4.3 Required Post: Successes and Challenges 08/15 No Resp Req 3 pts 4.2 Initial Reference List Minimum 6 Peer-Reviewed JA 8/18 No Resp Req 3 pts 4.2 Draft of completed Master s Proposal without faculty 9/8/2017 6 pts 4.4, 4.6 Signatures Poster Presentation 9/12/2017 20 pts 4.7 Annotated Bibliography 10 peer-reviewed resources 9/15/2017 20 pts 4.2 Final MP Proposal, Chair Signature Required & Proposed Timeline for completion 9/26/2017 30 pts 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 8.2 Grading: P 70-100 % R Retake- Needs more time or instruction to master the requirements of the class NC Quality of work or participation falls below minimum expectations, including: Not attending class. Not properly notifying registrar of a withdrawal Missing class periods in excess of the number allowed by AGS s course attendance policy (see section 9 below) Not resolving a grade of incomplete within 45 days after the last class meeting (not the assignment due date) and an agreed upon extension has not been arranged by the student and instructor. The Incomplete turns to No Credit (NC) and the course must be repeated at full price.
AGS 602: Page 5 Note: All work must be attempted and submitted for a grade to be issued. Missed poster sessions will not have a make-up. NO POINTS WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE POSTER ONLY IF YOU DO NOT PRESENT IN CLASS. 9. Attendance Policy Since courses are structured according to an intensive five-week format, regular and punctual attendance is of prime importance. Students are expected to attend all class meetings. When a student is unable to attend class, it is a courtesy to notify the course instructor in advance using the e-mail or phone informatino provided at the end of this syllabus. Most courses are divided into nine units. One unit is equal to one evening class session, ½ of a weekend day session, one unit/ posting in an online class or, roughly, 3 ¼ hours of class time. If a student misses more than 2 class units, the decision whether to allow a grade or issue a retake is left to the discretion of the instructor. Students who miss four class sessions will automatically receive a grade of NC (No credit) for the class and are expected to retake the class at full price. In online classes, the student fulfills the class session or unit by complying with posting and other submission deadlines. It is the instructor s prerogative to allow or not allow make up work or to deduct points or issue a lower grade based on missed class sessions. Specific courses may have additional attendance requriements based on the structure of the course. Those specifics are listed here: Students will be dismissed from class if there are more than 2 missed on campus sessions. Timely posting is necessary to facilitate peer responses. Please be considerate and post early if needed. Questions or appeals about the implementation of the attendance policy may be directed to the Academic Vice President. 10. Participation Disclaimer 10.1 Active participation in class discussions/exercises/demonstrations is encouraged. As with other AGS courses, in this course, individual students must determine for themselves the level of disclosure/intimacy that is appropriate for them. 10.2 Whenever confidential information/material is used in any AGS course, students and faculty members are expected to observe AGS policy concerning the handling of confidential information/material. Full descriptions of these policies are available. 11. Academic Integrity Policy Honesty and trust among students and between students and faculty are essential for a strong, functioning academic community. Consequently, students are expected to do their own work on
AGS 602: Page 6 all academic assignments, tests, projects, and research/term papers. Academic dishonesty, whether cheating, plagiarism, or some other form of dishonest conduct may result in failure for the work involved. Academic dishonesty could also result in failure for the course and, in the event of a second incident of academic dishonesty, suspension from the Adler Graduate School. Here are examples of academic dishonesty: Cheating - Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise. The term academic exercise includes all forms of work submitted for credit. Fabrication - Intentional and unauthorized falsification or invention of any information or citation in an academic exercise. Facilitating academic dishonesty - Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another to violate a provision of academic integrity. Plagiarism - The deliberate adoption or reproduction of ideas or words or statements of another person as one's own without acknowledgment. 13. Nondiscrimination Clause The Adler Graduate School is an equal opportunity educator and employer. The Adler Graduate School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, or physical disability in the employment of faculty or staff, the admission or treatment of students, or in the operation of its educational programs and activities. The institution is committed to providing equal education and employment opportunities in accordance with all applicable State and federal laws. 14. Learning Accommodations (including students with disabilities) If a student in this course has a documented learning disability, tell the instructor during the first week of class. The instructor needs to know on the front end so that he or she can work with you. The Adler Graduate School is committed to helping all students be successful, as best as can be reasonably accommodated. Documenting a learning disability occurs at the student s expense. When documented appropriately, the Adler Graduate School makes all reasonable accommodations. 15. Instructor Contact Information Dr. Ruth K. Dahle Buelow, MA, D.MFT, LMFT Core Faculty/Program Director for the Marriage and Family Therapy Program Adler Graduate School 1550 East 78th Street Richfield, MN 55423 Office Phone: 612-767-7050 Office Email: ruth.buelow@alfredadler.edu Updated June 10, 2017