A seminar contract will be negotiated between each student and the instructor to specify the work that will be completed by the designated deadline in order to earn the targeted credit hours. Each student must consult with and obtain the signature of his or her major professor witnessing the proposed contract. Contracts must be completed, signed, and submitted by the beginning of the third class meeting. All contracts will include the following items:

• Attendance at all scheduled class sessions and full participation in Blackboard Learn.
• Active participation in all aspects of the course via face-to-face and Blackboard Learn interaction
• Oral presentation of a formal status report (one during first half of course) and ensuing question and answer period.
• 3-5 page double-spaced written status report or update (at least two) posted on Blackboard Learn by the designated deadline.
• Oral feedback on others' status reports during first half of course. Written feedback on others' status reports during second half of course.
  

In addition to the above required items, students must stipulate the written documents related to the dissertation that will be submitted, in full, by the designated deadline. Additional items in the proposed contracts should emphasize aspects of dissertation design, fieldwork, deskwork, library work, and/or writing. The following are examples of additional work and total credit hour estimates:

1 credit: Specification of problem, purpose, and research questions plus detailed literature review framework, OR
Completion of specified chapter segments, OR 
One completed dissertation chapter / article, OR
Specification of planned research design and strategies.

2 credits: Full prospectus (see resources) OR 
Completion of data analysis with written summary of findings or results, OR 
Extensive detailed outline of three chapters / articles, OR 
Two completed dissertation chapters / articles.

3 credits: Three completed dissertation chapters (e.g., dissertation proposal), OR
The equivalent for a three article dissertation, OR
All data collection plus data analysis and written summary of findings or results, conclusions, and implications.

Students are expected to:

• draw upon the content of all previous graduate coursework, including research methods courses, in all written and participatory aspects of this course.
• make demonstrable progress, as stipulated in course contract and syllabus, toward dissertation completion.
• offer input, advice, and feedback to others using constructive language and perspectives. 
  

Students can expect instructor to:

• provide timely and constructive input, advice and feedback intended to advance the student’s dissertation project.
• encourage students’ ongoing contact with their major professors.
• maintain a classroom and WebCT environment that is focused and conducive to students’ dissertation progress.

All written work should be typewritten, grammatically correct, and error-free. Papers should conform to established standards (in almost all cases, the most recent edition of the APA Publication Manual) for organization, source referencing and attribution. Substantive content as well as technical quality of work will be considered when assigning grades. Multiple technical errors in one’s written work will lower one’s grade.

In a course dealing heavily with marshalling others’ published ideas, work, and words to underpin one’s own project, demonstrating academic integrity is essential. All ISU graduate students are responsible for understanding and abiding by Iowa State University’s policies regarding academic integrity and student conduct. Academic dishonesty—including obtaining unauthorized information, tendering of information, misrepresentation, bribery, and plagiarism—is strictly prohibited. Resources for further clarification and definitions include ISU’s General Catalog, Graduate Catalog, and Graduate College Handbook; and the APA Publication Manual. Additionally, accurate and consistent use of APA referencing conventions will help guard against unintended misrepresentation or plagiarism.

If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please make arrangements to meet with the instructor by the third class meeting. Please request that a Disability Resources staff member send a SAAR form verifying your disability and specifying the accommodations you will need.