introduction to advanced graduate studies and scholarship...

Introduction to Advanced Graduate Studies and Scholarship

Details This course introduces students to the principalelements of research and scholarly writing.Learners explore approaches to synthesizingliterature and the application of the majorcomponents of APA form and style, and learn tocoordinate literature searches. Furthermore,they learn how to discern principal arguments,analyze research questions, and clearly identifythe key scholarly attributes to journal articlesand other sources of scholarly data. This coursealso introduces learners to the University’soverarching values and beliefs regarding researchand the responsibility scholars have in continuinga tradition of contributing to an ever-growingbody of knowledge.

Credit Hours 3.0PreRequisitescoRequisitesCourse Add-Ons Additional Material

TextbookFind Your Purpose: The Path to a SuccessfulDoctoral ExperienceDiVincenzo, A. (Ed.). (2014). Find your purpose:The path to a successful doctoral experience.Phoenix, AZ: Grand Canyon University.

http://lc.gcumedia.com/res811/find-your-purpose-the-path-to-a-successful-doctoral-experience/v1.1/

OtherDiscussion Forum PhilosophyReview "Discussion Forum Philosophy" and use it toguide the completion of your participation in theMain Forum.

OtherLibrary Resources for Doctoral LearnersIf you have not done so already, view the "LibraryResources for Doctoral Learners" tutorial.

http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/res811_libraryTutorial.php

OtherDC NetworkBeginning in the third course of your program,you will be able to use the DC to: • Locatedissertation forms and templates. • Discussdissertation topics and resources. • Connectto the scholarly community.

http://dc.gcu.edu

OtherSuggestions for Further Reading and InquiryThis document contains items that may be ofpersonal or research interest but are not requiredfor successful completion of this course. Someitems may not be available in the GCU Library.

OtherEmpirical Research ChecklistUse this as a resource to determine if an articleis empirical research.

Electronic ResourceInteractive Doctoral GlossaryUse this interactive glossary to familiarizeyourself with the terms and definitions employedin doctoral study.

http://lc.gcumedia.com/zwebassets/courseMaterialPages/res850_doctoral-glossary-and-flash-card-v1.1.php

Topics

Topic 1: The Doctoral Identity Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Analyze impending changes to identity and mindset.2. Articulate expectations for doctoral learners.

Topic Material:

Textbook1. Find Your Purpose: The Path to a Successful Doctoral Experience

Review chapters 1 and 2. Read chapter 3.

Other3. Optional: LitAssist

LitAssist is referenced in your course textbook. You can registerfor a free version of LitAssist using the software key shown below.Please be sure to use your gcu.edu email address. RTy9lQmzU+Hn+RC5eSL/xYDGRjqU+RXHXxnsXF96uNE= Note: Access and use of LitAssist is notrequired for successful completion of this course.

Lecture Note4. Topic 1 Overview

Read Topic 1 Overview.

Topic 2: Effective Research Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Apply information literacy skills to locate and interpret academicliterature.

2. Differentiate among forms of academic literature.

Topic Material:


Read chapter 4.

Electronic Resource5. Finding Empirical Research Articles

View: Finding Empirical Research Articles.



Gradable Items Details Points Possible

Assignment Annotated Bibliography: DoctoralIdentityAnnotations are descriptive andcritical assessments of literaturethat help researchers to evaluatetexts and determine relevancy inrelation to a particular researchproject. Ultimately, they are a note-taking tool that fosters criticalthinking, demonstrates understanding,and evaluates the source materialfor possible later use. In thisassignment, you will read and annotatethree articles.General Requirements:

Locate the articles by Baker and Pifer(2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith andHatmaker (2014).This assignment uses a rubric. Reviewthe rubric prior to beginning theassignment to become familiar with theexpectations for successful completion.Doctoral learners are required touse APA style for their writingassignments. Review the GCU APA StyleGuide for Writing located in theStudent Success Center. Note: A titlepage is required for this assignment,but a reference page is not requiredsince the references are included withthe annotations.

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Refer to the resource, “PreparingAnnotated Bibliographies” locatedin the Student Success Center, foradditional guidance on completing thisassignment in the appropriate style.Use “Sample APA Annotated Bibliography”example in this resource.You are required to submit thisassignment to Turnitin. Refer to thedirections in the Student SuccessCenter.

Directions:Read the articles by Baker & Pifer(2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith &Hatmaker (2014). These articles and thepersistent links to them are located inthe Course Materials for Topic 2.Provide an annotated bibliography(750-900 words total, excluding thereference notes) of the articles.Including the following for eacharticle:

A reference note formatted accordingto APA style guidelines. The referencenote is not included in the total wordcount.An annotation (250-300 words) of thearticle. Annotations are descriptiveand critical assessments of peerreviewed articles. Annotationssummarize the key concepts andevaluate the article for its strengthsand weaknesses. Why was the studyconducted? What was the populationstudied? What did the researcher(s)conclude? What other information aboutthis study do you believe is unique orimportant to recall? Are there specificstatements made by the author you wishto retain?

DiscussionQuestion

Module 2 DQ 2Research is connected and personaland it is important for learners torecognize their subject position, inorder to critically evaluate data,as well as communicate their subjectposition within a research study to

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minimize bias. Grand Canyon Universitysupports academic and spiritual growthwith the belief that the combination ofthe two will make a positive impact onscholarship and the individual.How might worldview influence therole as a scholar and researcher?How can a worldview, Christian orotherwise, enrich research through aunion of faith and academics? How mightone handle perspectives, topics, andresearch that may challenge his or herworldview?

DiscussionQuestion

Module 2 DQ 1Doctoral learners must becomeinformation-literate individuals whoare able to locate, identify, evaluate,and organize research. In Topic 8, youare required to find five empiricalresearch studies from peer reviewedjournals on your dissertation researchinterests. Discuss your process forconducting a search. What resourceswill you use to explore the literaturein your filed and how will you evaluatethe quality of the articles selected?

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Participation 18.0

Topic 3: Scholarly Communication:Process and Style

Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Support the necessity of applying the writing process to scholarlycommunication.

2. Assess the utility of a style guide in scholarly communication.

Topic Material:


Read the following sections of chapter 7: Introduction The WritingProcess Using a Style Guide Building Blocks of a Paper Read thefollowing sections of chapter 8: Introduction Proofreading and EditingTurnitin and Plagiarism

Website6. GCU Learning Lounge

Explore the Learning Lounge website.

Other7. Synthesis Worksheet

Use this to complete the Synthesis Worksheet assignment.




Assignment Synthesis Worksheet: Doctoral IdentitySynthesis is the act of creatingsomething new from multiple existingentities. Synthesis of research, then,is creating a new idea from existingideas. This assignment is designed tohelp you identify how themes can emergefrom reading literature and how you cansynthesize this information in a waythat creates new knowledge. You willuse your understandings of the Topic2 readings to complete a synthesisworksheet.General Requirements:

This assignment will be used as a pre-writing activity for the synthesispaper in Topic 5.Locate and download "SynthesisWorksheet" from the Course Materialsfor this topic.Review the articles by Baker &Pifer (2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith& Hatmaker (2014) located in theCourse Materials for this topic.This assignment uses a rubric. Reviewthe rubric prior to beginning theassignment to become familiar with theexpectations for successful completion.Doctoral learners are required touse APA style for their writingassignments. Review the GCU APA StyleGuide for Writing located in theStudent Success Center.

Directions:Complete the Synthesis Worksheet forthe articles by Baker & Pifer(2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith& Hatmaker (2014). The completedworksheet will include the followingsections:

An Introduction that introducesand provides context for the topic,

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presents three common themes thatemerged from the readings, and providesorganization for the paper with athesis statement.A description of the evidence tosupport three common themes thatemerged from the articles. Sincethis is likely your first experiencewith this depth of synthesis, we haveprovided two of the themes found inthe articles. Your task is to identifya third theme and to provide evidencefrom each article for all three commonthemes. A conclusion where you will returnto your thesis and provide evidenceshowing you successfully addressedyour thesis statement. Discuss theconnections that you made from theevidence and how each theme emergedfrom the central topic of doctoralidentity.

DiscussionQuestion

Module 3 DQ 1The primary method professors useto evaluate your ability to absorband synthesize content is for you towrite papers that demonstrate yourunderstanding of various researchtopics, concepts, and frameworks.Doctoral level writing is distinct fromother forms of communication you mayhave encountered. This shift in processand style helps learners to developa doctoral identity that will fosterproductive relationships with facultyand committee members and, ultimately,contribute to a completed dissertation.Discuss how writing process and stylehelp form a doctoral identity. Whatspecific strategies and resourcescan you use to improve your academicwriting?

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DiscussionQuestion

Module 3 DQ 2A prepared student is a successfulstudent. Usually, it starts withtime management, organization, anddedication to the writing process,but also includes the successfulexecution of format and style. ApplyingAPA style and formatting is the laststep in the writing process, but is

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seems to be a source of great stressand anxiety for learners. APA styleis not the research but rather thedocumentation of the research. Whatis the purpose of a style guide inscholarly communication? How can APAstyle enhance your communication withreaders? What specific strategies andresources can you use to improve yourskill in using APA style?

Participation 18.0

Topic 4: Scholarly Communication:Expression

Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Apply appropriate voice in academic writing.2. Apply appropriate tone in academic writing.

Topic Material:


Read the following sections of chapter 7: • Voice • Tone



Topic 5: Critical Thinking: TheMeans to Inquire

Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Analyze the skills of comparison, contrast, and synthesis.2. Affirm the necessity of preparing an outline before writing.

Topic Material:


Read chapter 6.

Electronic Resource2. Critical Thinking in E-Learning Environments

Read: Saade, R. G., Morin, D., & Thomas, J. D. E. (2012).Critical thinking in e-learning environments. Computers in HumanBehavior, 28(5), 1608-1617.

Other6. Synthesis Paper Template

Use this to complete the Synthesis Paper assignment.




Assignment Synthesis Paper: Doctoral IdentityIn Topic 2, you were asked to readthree articles on the topic of doctoralidentity and to complete an annotatedbibliography to demonstrate theirunderstanding of the material. InTopic 3, you were asked to take thisprocess a step further and identifythemes found in the three articlesand to complete a synthesis worksheetwhere the themes were supported byevidence from each article. In thisassignment, you will build on yourworksheet efforts and write a paperabout the three themes. The narrativewill not only present the evidence fromthe articles to support the identifiedthemes, but also will provide ananalysis for each theme by synthesizingthe information collected.General Requirements:

Locate the Synthesis Worksheet youcompleted in Topic 3.Locate and download "Synthesis PaperTemplate" from the Course Materials forthis topic.Review the articles by Baker &Pifer (2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith& Hatmaker (2014) located in theCourse Materials for this topic.This assignment uses a rubric. Reviewthe rubric prior to beginning theassignment to become familiar with theexpectations for successful completion.Doctoral learners are required touse APA style for their writingassignments. Review the GCU APA StyleGuide for Writing located in theStudent Success Center.You are required to submit thisassignment to Turnitin. Refer to thedirections in the Student SuccessCenter.

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Directions:Using the Synthesis Worksheet youcompleted in Topic 3 and consideringthe themes you developed and thefeedback provided by your instructor,write a paper (1,000-1,250 words) thatsynthesizes the three articles. Yourpaper should include the following:

An introduction that introduces andprovides context for the topic. Thisincludes giving a brief descriptionof each article and its purpose,identifying the three themes thatemerged from your reading, describinghow they will be discussed in thepaper, and presenting a clear thesisstatement.Support for your identified themeswith evidence from each article.Provide analysis of these findings tostrengthen your narrative.A discussion of the conclusions thatcan be drawn when the articles aretaken together as a single entity. Whatis the overall message of the group ofarticles?

DiscussionQuestion

Module 5 DQ 2Saade, Morin, and Thomas. (2012)describe critical thinking as themental processes of discernment,analysis, and evaluation appliedto information in order to achievea logical final understandingand/or judgment. Describe yourapproach to breaking down informationinto component parts to betterunderstand the characteristics ofa statement, concept, or problem.How might outlining help to developunderstanding? How do you know when toreach beyond previous experience andseek out other sources of informationto enhance your understanding of thework in front of you?

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DiscussionQuestion

Module 5 DQ 1Critical thinking is one of manyvital skills that learners mustdevelop in order to successfullyexamine research, analyze data, andcomplete a dissertation. Consider

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the characteristics and practicesassociated with the skill of criticalthinking. Which of these are moreor less beneficial or important thanothers? How does synthesis integrateinto your view of critical thinking?(This response does not requireresearch support.)

Participation 18.0

Topic 6: The Nature of Inquiry Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Assess the importance of questioning/scientific inquiry.2. Analyze the nature of scholarly research.

Topic Material:


Read chapter 5.

Electronic Resource3. Initial Course Survey

In an effort for continuous improvement, Grand Canyon University wouldlike you to take this opportunity to provide feedback about yourexperience with the university. Your participation is appreciated.Click on the link to begin the survey.



Topic 7: Academic Integrity andOriginality

Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Connect the concepts of paraphrasing, original thought, andacademic integrity.

2. Apply tools to assess the originality of academic writing.

Topic Material:


Read the following section of chapter 7: Paraphrasing vs. Quoting Readthe following section of chapter 8: Turnitin and Plagiarism

Other6. Enhanced Synthesis Paper Template

Use this to complete the Enhanced Synthesis Paper assignment.

Other7. Enhanced Synthesis Paper Resources

Use this to assist with the Enhanced Synthesis Paper assignment.




Assignment Enhanced Synthesis Paper: DoctoralIdentitySynthesis is the act of creatingsomething new from multiple existingentities. Synthesis of research, then,is creating a new idea from existingideas. Synthesis of research is nota single innate skill. Rather, itis a process learned through timeand practice. At the doctoral level,writing is a continual process ofrevision as learners improve skills andbuild subject matter expertise.In Topic 5, you submitted a SynthesisPaper and received both feedbackfrom your instructor and a grade foryour work. In this assignment, youwill expand upon your original paperwith additional research from outsidesources, incorporate feedback from yourinstructor, and provide a reflectionsection addressing your revisionprocess.General Requirements:

Locate the Synthesis Paper youcompleted in Topic 5.Locate and download "Enhanced SynthesisPaper Template" from the CourseMaterials for this topic.Locate and download "Enhanced SynthesisPaper Resources" from the CourseMaterials for this topic.Review the articles by Baker and Pifer(2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith andHatmaker (2014) located in the CourseMaterials for this topic.This assignment uses a rubric. Reviewthe rubric prior to beginning theassignment to become familiar with theexpectations for successful completion.

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Doctoral learners are required touse APA style for their writingassignments. Review the GCU APA StyleGuide for Writing located in theStudent Success Center.You are required to submit thisassignment to Turnitin. Refer to thedirections in the Student SuccessCenter.

Directions:Select and read two articles from theEnhanced Synthesis Paper Resources listlocated in the Course Materials forthis topic.Locate the Synthesis Paper youcompleted in Topic 5. Using thefeedback provided by your instructorand information from the two additionalarticles you selected, write anEnhanced Synthesis Paper withReflection (1,250-1,800 words). Includethe following in your paper:

A Reflection (250-300 words) thatdiscusses your revision process andhow you incorporated your instructor'sfeedback into the revised version.Similar to the format of an abstract,this section will receive its own pagefollowing the title page and precedingthe Introduction.An introduction that includes a briefdescription of each article and itspurpose, identifies the three themesthat emerged from your reading,describes how they will be discussed inthe paper, and presents a clear thesisstatement.Support for your identified themeswith evidence from each article.Provide analysis of these findings tostrengthen your narrative.A discussion of the conclusions thatcan be drawn when the articles aretaken together as a single entity. Whatis the overall message of the group ofarticles?

DiscussionQuestion

Module 7 DQ 1Doctoral learners becoming researcher/scholars must be able to produce

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original, written academic works andto evaluate the calibre and originalityof their writing and the writingof others. At the same time, allresearch has its foundation in otherresearch. How can you as a doctorallevel researcher balance producing yourown original research with recognizingand crediting the works you use as yourresearch foundation?

DiscussionQuestion

Module 7 DQ 2GCU places great importance on academicintegrity based in the Christianworldview. How will you go aboututilizing sound habits and behaviorsto prevent plagiarism, intentionalor unintentional, in your coursework,doctoral writing, and ultimately yourdissertation research? What temptationsmight doctoral students encounter thatwould challenge their ethics? How doesyour worldview influence your adherenceto academic integrity?

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Participation 18.0

Topic 8: The Doctoral Journey Duration: 7 days

Description:

Objectives:

1. Articulate milestones in the doctoral journey.2. Evaluate opportunities to internalize and express a worldview.

Topic Material:


Read chapter 9.

Other3. Literature Review Resources Tool

Use this to complete the assignment.




Assignment Literature Review ResourcesSuccessful completion of a doctoraldissertation requires significantamounts of independent reading on

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the research topic. This allows thedoctoral learner/researcher to becomefamiliar with the scope of the topicand to identify gaps or tensions withinthe existing literature on the topic.These gaps and tensions become thesource of the dissertation research.In this assignment, you will read andannotate potential sources in yourdissertation field of interest. Thosedemonstrating the most merit to thebest of your understanding of the topicat this time should be added to yourRefWorks list for potential inclusionin the literature review section ofyour dissertation.General Requirements:Use the following information toensure successful completion of theassignment:

It is strongly recommended that youengage in this activity throughoutthe duration of your program. You willbe adding to this document to beginbuilding a runnnig literature review.You will have five sources in your listby the end of this assignment.Instructors will be scoring yoursubmission based on the number ofunique sources identified in the listsubmitted.Download the resource Literature ReviewResources Tool and use it to completethe assignment.Doctoral learners are required touse APA style for their writingassignments. The APA Style Guide islocated in the Student Success Center.Refer to the resource, "PreparingAnnotated Bibliographies," locatedin the Student Success Center, foradditional guidance on completing thisassignment in the appropriate style.

Directions:Read at least five empirical articlesin your general dissertation field.In the "Literature Review Resources"document, provide the following foreach source:


The APA formatted citation.A brief annotation of the key points ofthe source.An indication of whether the source hasbeen added to (Y) or excluded from (N)your RefWorks list.

DiscussionQuestion

Module 8 DQ 2Looking back at Topic 1, how has yourdissertation topic changed in thelast eight weeks? Looking ahead, howwill you build time into your scheduleto work independently to continueto develop your literature reviewand uncover a gap in the literaturethat you will address with yourdissertation? Discuss a theme or trendyou have noticed while completing yourTopic 8 assignment. (This response doesnot require research support.)

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DiscussionQuestion

Module 8 DQ 1In a doctoral program, a learnermust assume the role of independentresearcher in order to become an expertin their respected field of study.Along the way, learners will needto identify a gap (an area of studythat needs to be researched) in orderto formulate research question(s).Klingner, Scanlon, and Pressley (2015)detailed the process a researcher takesto produce a scholarly article. Discusshow a review of literature contributesto a doctoral identity by transitioninga learner into a scholar. As you makeyour way along your doctoral journey,other than completing one course andmoving on the next, when and how willyou evaluate that you are growing as alearner and as scholar?

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Participation 18.0

Grade Scale

LetterGrade

GPA Value Minimum Maximum Interpretationof Level ofPerformance

A 97.0 100.0A- 93.0 96.99B+ 89.0 92.99B 85.0 88.99

LetterGrade

GPA Value Minimum Maximum Interpretationof Level ofPerformance

B- 81.0 84.99C+ 78.0 80.99C 76.0 77.99F 0.0 75.99I 0.0 0.0W 0.0 0.0- 0.0 0.0- 0.0 0.0

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introduction to advanced graduate studies and scholarship...

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