Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Contents
Course Summary.......................................................................................................................................
Department of
Interdisciplinary Studies
Syllabus
Prerequisites..............................................................................................................................................
Instructional Methods and Strategies.........................................................................................................
Computer Literacy Requirements...............................................................................................................
Learning Objectives....................................................................................................................................
Instructional Materials................................................................................................................................
Required Texts....................................................................................................................................
INT 360.90
NSU Policies..............................................................................................................................................
University Assessment Statement.......................................................................................................
Dr.
Andrew
T. Arroyo, Associate Professor
Incomplete
Grade
Policy.....................................................................................................................
Proctoring Policy.................................................................................................................................
Course Number & Course Name: Fundamentals of Research in Interdisciplinary Studies, INT
360.90
Semester: Fall 2015
Class Meets: Online
Instructor Name: Dr. Andrew T. Arroyo, EdD
Office location and office hours
Norfolk State University
Bowser, 206
Office Hours: M/W 1:45-3:45; T 11-1 [Note: For all office hours, it is best to email ahead and set up
an advance appointment to ensure I am not with another student. This also lets me be fully prepared
for you.]
Cyber Office Hours: R 11-1
Email address: atarroyo@nsu.edu
Telephone: 757-823-2878
Preferred method of communication:
Email is the preferred method of communication. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. This
excludes weekends and holidays. Also, if you send an email after business hours, I might reply, but
please do not expect it. Emails asking about assignments on the evening they are due are unlikely
to receive a response. Please be proactive.
Course Summary
Course Description
This course explores the relationships between social theory and the interdisciplinary process;
investigates rationales and appropriate applications of qualitative and quantitative research
methods; examines techniques for formulating thesis statements and hypotheses; reviews salient
factors for developing valid and reliable questionnaires; and constructs researchable proposals.
Course Rationale
This course fits into the overall INT program by providing you the skills you need to conduct
empirical research that is interdisciplinary in nature.
Course Delivery Method
This course is delivered entirely online with synchronous and asynchronous activities deployed as
required. The primary method of access to this course is the University Blackboard Learning
Management System (LMS) and may be supplemented by other online resources. This course may
3
also employ conferencing tools such as video conferences or Web conferences to facilitate
communication and interaction with distant and local students.
Prerequisites
There are two prerequisites for this course:
INT 308 and INT 322 (However, non-INT majors may take this course as an elective without these
courses.)
Class discussions
Audio-visual presentations
Collaborative learning
Case study
Assigned readings
Written assessments
Objective quizzes
Blackboard (on-line delivery)
A basic knowledge of computers. For example, understanding files and folders to upload or
download course content is absolutely essential. Basic computer literacy classes (CSC-150)
are available on campus as elective courses. Students deficient in the necessary computer
skills should consider taking such classes.
An understanding of the Web and its resources, such as the library and online research tools
accessed through a Web browser.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint; this is
absolutely essential for your academic success.
Familiarity with NSU's e-mail system to guarantee effective communications with both
instructors and classmates. All NSU students have been assigned an e-mail account and are
expected to access it regularly via the Web.
For those of you not familiar with the Blackboard LMS, an online orientation can be accessed by selfregistering in Blackboard. The course name is "Blackboard Student Training." Additional assistance
with Blackboard can be obtained through the Blackboard Central Help Desk at
bbtechsupport@nsu.edu or by phone at 757-823-2328 M - F 8AM - 6PM at the Lyman Beecher
Brooks Library (LBBL), suite 3007.
Addressing your computer skills will greatly enhance your learning experience, reducing wasted time
and frustration for yourself and your instructors. Please feel free to contact the Office of Information
Technology (OIT) Client Services or the Office of Distance Education for advisement on how to receive
assistance with your computer literacy instructional needs.
Instructional Materials
Required Texts (It is your responsibility to secure these books before the semester begins.)
APA Publication Manual, 6th edition. (this is required)
Creswell, J.W. Educational Research. (current edition carried in the bookstore)
Departmental Policies
Microsoft Word
ALL Interdisciplinary Studies papers are to be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.doc),
unless otherwise noted by the professor. If students submit papers using other writing programs (i.e.,
WordPerfect, Microsoft works, MAC programs, etc.), they may lose points and/or not have their paper
accepted/graded. It is imperative that students follow the guidelines and directions of each professor.
Success Policy
The best policy for success in any course is preparation, organization, and active participation, reading
completion and comprehension, effective time management and constant, consistent communication
with the instructor. Remember, this is YOUR educationbe responsible and accountable.
Excellent (50)
Good (20)
Organization
of material
Use of
resources
Presentation
of material
Learner
Interaction/
Participation
Overall
Quality
Participates equally
with other group
members in
researching, writing,
and editing
Outstanding overall
quality. A powerful
and memorable
presentation.
Poor (10)
The work was poorly
organized or ideas were
presented randomly
Some of your ideas
were incorrect and
inappropriate
The material was
vague and contained
errors
You do not
demonstrate
participation and
interaction in class
Generally sloppy. Weak
presentation skills. You
have the ability to do
much better.
Total Points
Points
___/50
___/50
___/50
___/50
___/50
___/250
Attendance Policy
Discussion board participation is expected in each lesson. Missing more than 4 discussion boards
could result in a failing grade for the course. This is not a correspondence class where you move at
your own pace. If you miss a board, please do not ask to go back and make it up.
Weather Policy:
9
In case of inclement weather, students should listen to major radio and television stations; visit the
NSU website at www.nsu.edu; and/or call the University operator at 757-823-8600. Additionally,
students should sign up for University text alerts. If the University cancels classes, students should
check their NSU email and the Blackboard course site for additional course information. As an online
course, we still meet regardless of weather.
Assignments
Lesson Quizzes. You will take a graded quiz at the end of each lesson. These quizzes will be
objective, usually true/false or multiple choice. The quiz material will be taken primarily from the
textbook readings. They are open book, timed, questions appear one at a time, and there is no
backtracking after you answer a question.
Discussion/Participation. You will receive one overall discussion/participation grade at the end of the
semester. This will be an evaluation of your overall consistency in the discussion boards, as well as
the extent to which you followed the specific guidelines in the posting instructions rubric.
Research Statements Assignment. You will create an original topic, research problem, research
question, and purpose statement in Lesson 7. You will be provided a rubric.
Grade Scale
97-100 = A+
94-96 = A
90-93 = A87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C- (Please note that this is failing for INT majors.)
67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D59 - below = F
Calendar of Assignments
There will be a graded quiz at the end of each lesson, with the exception of Lesson 14. Other major
assignments are due as follows. See the related Lessons in Blackboard for very specific instructions.
Thursday, Oct 8, Research Statements Assignment
Course Outline (Please note the course calendar/outline can change at the
discretion of the professor and/or depending on the progress of the class. It is the
students responsibility to stay abreast of all changes, amendments, deletions, and
additions and to respond accordingly. The professor will notify students of any such
changes. Complete details related to each lesson are found in Blackboard.)
10
Lesson/Period of
Lesson 1
(Aug 22-27)
Course Description
Arroyos Philosophy of Teaching and Learning (PTL)
Required reading: Arroyos PTL document; Article by Arroyo, Kidd, Burns, Cruz, &
Lawrence-Lamb (2015)
Lesson 2
Epistemology
(Aug 28-Sept 3)
Lesson 3
APA
(Sept 4-10)
Required reading: The entire APA manual, cover to cover (current edition)
Lesson 4
(Sept 11-17)
Quantitative Data
Required reading: Creswell, ch 5
Lesson 5
(Sept 18-24)
Qualitative Data
Required reading: Creswell, chs 7-8
Lesson 6
(Sept 25-Oct 1)
Ethics in Research
Required reading: NIH Training
Lesson 7
(Oct 2-8)
Lesson 8
(Oct 9-15)
Theory
Required reading: See Blackboard
Lesson 9
(Oct 16-22)
Lesson 10
(Oct 23-29)
Experiments
Required reading: Creswell, ch 10
Lesson 11
(Oct 30-Nov 5)
Surveys
Required reading: Creswell, ch 12
Lesson 12
(Nov 6-12)
Grounded Theory
Required reading: Creswell, ch 13
11
Lesson 13
(Nov 13-19)
Narrative Inquiry
Required reading: Creswell, ch 15
Lesson 14
(Nov 20-Dec 3)
Integration
Required reading: Your choice
Blackboard Instructions
All navigational buttons provide you with information on how to work the system and allow you to
proceed with the rest of the course. It is important that you familiarize yourself with all the
navigational buttons and controls of the Blackboard system.
Communication
Blackboard Announcements Area
The Blackboard announcements area is specifically designed for communicating with students in
this course. Whenever there are special instructions to all students in this class, such as a class
cancellation, a change in schedule or assignments, etc. a message will be sent via the
announcement page. Please note that the announcements area is a messaging system that
relates only to the members of this class. Announcements for other courses will be contained in
the respective courses announcements area.
You can access your announcements by selecting the announcements button, located on the
main page menu. You are required to check the announcements page daily for any new
information. Any message that you need to send to your instructor in this class is best sent via
Blackboard email.
Email Policy
NSU email is the only email system to be used for this course; private email addresses cannot be
used. Always title your messages; be sure the subject line reflects the topic of discussion. Email
messages should always be courteous and follow etiquette protocols. You should be respectful to
those who are receiving your email; never send SPAM to other classmates. Remember that these
12
documents are never deleted from the system and nothing is ever private. Also, always check your
spelling before sending a message.
13