SS 280-Directed Study: Selected Topics

Course Description: This course is a mentored research practicum for Micronesian Studies majors which culminates in a major original paper. It serves as a capstone course which provides the students an avenue to write a research paper with an emphasis on contemporary issues in Micronesia. The student must pass the course with at least a “C” grade or better to complete the Micronesian Studies Program.

Prerequisite Course(s): EN 120b, SS 101, SS 200, SS 205, SS 212, SS 214, SS 220

A. PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs):
The student will be able to:

Demonstrate the ability to read, speak and write critically and effectively in English about Micronesian Studies Program course content.
Demonstrate proficiency in the geographical, historical, and cultural literacy of the Micronesian region.
Demonstrate proficient knowledge of the structure and functions of the government and social, political, and economic issues concerning the Micronesian Studies course content.
Demonstrate the ability to perform research and write papers relevant to Micronesia using different methods and technologies.
Demonstrate an appreciation of the requirements of good citizenship in the FSM.

B. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – GENERAL:
The student will be able to:

Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate a research problem and thesis that will lead to an original paper on an important Micronesian issue.
Students will demonstrate the ability to develop an appropriate research design for their chosen topic
Students will demonstrate the ability develop a comprehensive research strategy using print resources from the library, electronic resources from the internet, and human resources in the form of interviews, questionnaires and case studies.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively implement their research strategies and gather data necessary to their research problem.
Students will demonstrate the ability to write a well-structured and properly formatted paper in a clear, concise and convincing style.

SLO	PLO1	PLO2	PLO3	PLO4	PLO5
1	D		M	M
2	D	M			D
3			M	M
4	M			DM	D
5	M	M	M	M	D

I = Introduction
D = Demonstrated
M = Mastered

C. SPECIFIC STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLOs) – SPECIFIC:
The student will be able to:
General SLO 1. Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate a research problem and thesis that will lead to an original paper on an important Micronesian issue.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
1.1 Formulate a research question relating to current issues in Micronesia	Class work (students conduct a pre-literature search)/beginning phase of research project
1.2 Brainstorming concepts and issues relating to Micronesia	Class work (students propose a thesis statement)/Research project
1.3 Identify variables and sample population that will be measured in the research project	Class work (students identify technique(s) of research to use)/Research project

General SLO 2. Students will demonstrate the ability to develop an appropriate research design for their chosen topic

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
2.1 Demonstrate how technique(s) of research will be used to collect data	Class work/Research project
2.2 Conduct a literature review relating to issues and problems in Micronesia	Class work/ Research project
2.3 Examine the content and context of issues in Micronesia	Class work/ Research project

General SLO 3. Students will demonstrate the ability develop a comprehensive research strategy using print resources from the library, electronic resources from the internet, and human resources in the form of interviews, questionnaires and case studies.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
3.1 Utilize relevant sources to give background to explain the structures and functions of the Micronesian and related political and social issues	Assignment/class work
3.2 Propose and create necessary techniques such as interviews, surveys, and other to collect data	Class work/ Research project

General SLO 4: Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively implement their research strategies and gather data necessary to their research problem.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategies
4.1 Administer survey questionnaires to their study target	Research project
4.2 Observe ethical procedures and issues that underlie dealing with subjects and data	Research project
4.3 Employ questions that are relevant to issues in Micronesia as while addressing issues that can appear sensitive to the subjects (interviewees)
4.4 Tabulate and analyze data as collected from survey questionnaires	Research Project

General SLO 5: Students will demonstrate the ability to write a well-structured and properly formatted paper in a clear, concise and convincing style.

Student Learning Outcomes	Assessment Strategy
5.1 Extract meaning from factual data through literature and survey questionnaire	Research Project (research rubric is used)
5.2 Clearly articulate data through analysis and synthesis
5.3 Efficiently and effectively present findings relating to research topic	Written & Oral presentation (rubric for presentation is used)
5.4 Write multiple drafts to effectively communicate analysis and findings
5.5 Demonstrate the ability to correctly cite source of research data (preferably, using the American Psychological Association (APA) format.	Research project

D. COURSE CONTENT

Introduction to the Scientific Process
Research Resources
Formulating the Research Problem
Ethics in research
Methods of research
Writing the Research paper

E. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
Depending on the nature of their research topic students will be tasked to conduct their own research by undergoing hands-on tasks, including surveys and interviews, which can involve off-campus appointments. Instructor will meet with individual student to review the proposed survey questionnaire for approval.

F. REQURIED TEXT(S) AND COURSE MATERIALS
Nicholas, W. (2011) Research methods the basics. Routledge: New York, New York. (or most recent edition).

G. REFERENCE MATERIALS
None

H. INSTRUCTIONAL COSTS
None

I. EVALUATION
None

J. CREDIT BY EXAMINATION
None

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SS 280-Directed Study: Selected Topics