Course Objectives:

The objective of this course is to provide an understanding of doing academic research.  Specifically, the course intends to provide guidelines on choosing a topic (related to the student's intended course subject area) and an approach, researching a topic, writing a first draft, developing a final draft, preparing footnotes and bibliographies, preparing a final copy and also giving an effective oral presentation.     

Structure:

The teaching structure and methods will be based on coaching in private and group sessions.

Schedule:

On the academic schedule, there is no indicated lecture session for this course.  However, a suitable time will be determined after reviewing  all students` weekly schedules. Every week, students in groups and in private will receive guidance.  

Course Requirements:

• Attendance: Students are expected to attend classes regularly.  The absence rate should not be more than 25% as regulated by the university. 

• Participation: Students are expected to be attentive in classroom and private sessions.

• Examinations and Grading: There are no exams for this course.  Therefore, grading is mainly based on the term paper of 4000 words, its oral presentation and case studies.

• Case Studies: There will be numerous case studies and exercises related to each part covered in the course.  The students are supposed to do them in the classroom in groups.  Please keep in mind that when a case study is missed, there is no make-up for it.

Methods of Evaluation:

• Term Paper:  40%

• Oral Presentation:  20%  

• Case studies: 40% (weekly)

Course Book:

There is no specific book for this course.  However, books on writing term papers or projects and doing research are helpful.

References:

Baugh, L. S.  How to Write Term Papers and Reports.  VGM Career Horizons.  Illinois.  (1992)

Smith, M; Smith, G.  A Study Skills Handbook.  Oxford University Press.  Taipei.  (1990)

Paxton, W. C.  The Mentor Guide to Writing Term Papers and Reports.  Nal Books.  New York.  (1988)

University's Bilwrite Center 

Lecture Notes:

Lecture notes will be provided weekly at the classroom and private sessions and through this web site.  The lecture notes are based on the references listed above.