Seminar
Contract
A seminar contract will be negotiated between each student and the respective
instructor to specify the work that will be completed by the end of the
semester in order to earn the targeted credit hours. Each student is strongly
encouraged to consult his or her major professor prior to drafting the
proposed contract. Contracts must be completed and signed by the beginning
of the third class meeting (Sept. 12). All contracts will include the
following items:
- Attendance at all class sessions.
- Active participation in all aspects of the course.
- Oral presentation of a formal status report (at least one).
- Written status report (at least one).
- Goals statement and self-appraisal emails (one per
status report).
Preparation of a draft proposal (e.g., research paper or poster presentation) for a conference of the student’s choosing.
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 final seminar meeting. 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 research problem and initial draft of literature
review, OR
Initial drafts of specified chapter segments, OR
First through final drafts of one dissertation chapter, OR
Specification of planned research design and strategies.
2 credits: Full prospectus draft (see resources, OR
Completion of data analysis with written summary of results, OR
Initial drafts of three chapters, OR
First through final drafts of two dissertation chapters.
3 credits: First through final proposal draft (e.g., first three chapters),
OR
First through final drafts of three specified dissertation chapters, OR
All data collection plus data analysis and written summary of results.
Definitions
The first three chapters (or close, fully-developed approximations) are
customarily regarded as one’s dissertation proposal. A dissertation
prospectus is a shorter, more focused overview of the proposed project
that serves as a basis for preliminary discussion and feedback for the
student and committee members (see prospectus outlines on the resources
page). An approved prospectus is subsequently expanded into written proposal
chapters. Consult with your major professor to determine her or his expectations.
Grading
“A” grades signify outstanding achievement.
“B” grades signify solid achievement.
“C” grades signify passable achievement.
Grades of C- and below do not fulfill graduation requirements.
“Incomplete” grades will be assigned only after consultation
with the instructor. Incompletes will not be granted simply because more
time is desired to complete the contracted work. Students are strongly
encouraged to consider their schedules and standing commitments carefully
in order to specify appropriate expectations for their work in this course.
Expectations
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 toward dissertation completion.
- offer input, advice, and feedback to others using
constructive language and perspectives.
Students can expect instructors 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 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 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 respective instructor
soon. Please request that a Disability Resources staff member send a SAAR
form verifying your disability and specifying the accommodations you will
need.
