Autumn Quarter Assignments

1. Initial Description of Project Idea (2-3 pages, double spaced)
   Due: 10/9
   The project description should not only describe the project idea, but also offer a brief explanation of its significance, drawing on relevant literature, as appropriate. The description should include the focus of investigation (e.g., problematic issue, burning question), type of setting proposed for the study, and plans for obtaining access to that setting. A full review of pertinent literature is not necessary at this time.
   
   
2. Identification of Model Paper and Literature that Surrounds Topic
   Due: 10/23
   Publishable papers follow existing models, more or less. They also fall into areas of previous research that provide "conceptual" ideas that frame your research topic. For part one of this assignment, we ask that you identify one published research paper that will serve as a "model" or guide for your developing research. As such, this paper should be a qualitative study that falls in the same or similar tradition of qualitative research as your research design (or close to it). If possible, try to find a model paper that is about the same or similar topic as your research. For part two of the assignment, we would like you to identify 3-5 studies that pertain to your topic of interest. Please write a two page paper that describes why you chose your model paper and annotates each of the other studies with information about its content and the reason you selected it.
   
   
3. Methodological Sketch (6-8 pages, double spaced)
   Due: 11/13
   This paper will focus on the methods you will use to explore your research question. A set of preliminary questions and a brief sketch of an initial conceptual framework guiding the study should be provided along with a description of the methodology proposed, rationale for this methodology, the type of setting or task selected, the types of information/participants, and other data sources to be selected. (When you turn in this paper, please attach your Project Idea along with it; before turning it in, you may revise the Initial Project Idea to respond to feedback received on initial draft.)
   
   
4. Human Subjects Proposal
   Due: 11/27 (1st draft)
   Due: 12/11 (Final Application, ready for submission)
   Each study must be cleared through the University's Human Subjects Review process. Students will complete a human subjects review form which describes your project, have this reviewed by your advisor, and revise accordingly. The revised form, signed by your advisor, will be turned in to the Graduate Office; a copy of both the initial and final draft should be given to the course instructors at this time. Forms are available online.
   
   
5. Research Proposal (15-18 pages, double spaced)
   Due: 12/11
   The research proposal will build on the three previous assignments. The issues and argument should be fully developed, and their relation to the literature more thoroughly examined. (Your use of the relevant literature should be integrated throughout the proposal - supporting problem statement, rationale, conceptualization, design - rather than constituting a separate section of the paper.) The page limit is imposed to encourage concise, well-crafted proposals.
   
   
6. Weekly E-Post Discussion with Study Group
   Due: Weekly (Sundays at noon)
   Each week you will post a one paragraph response to the readings on E-Post. It will either be (1) a response to a quote from one of the readings that struck you as insightful, interesting, surprising, or otherwise thought provoking - and some description of its impact on you and/or your research interests; or (2) a general discussion of the week's readings (or of a particular reading or an idea in the readings) in terms of their impact on your research ideas. You will post your individual paragraph by NOON on Sundays. Please read your group's posting and bring a copy of your group's posting to class.