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LBSC 801
Introduction to Research
Fall 2011
Course Description
Catalog Description
Overview of the research process in information studies from designing
and conducting a study to disseminating results. Introduction to
proposal writing and funding sources.
Enrollment Policy
This is a required course in the Information Studies Ph.D. program.
Students enrolled in other programs must have permission from the
instructor to register.
Goals
- Gain an understanding of the structure of the research ecosystem
- Become familiar with a broad range of research methods
- Learn to choose research methods that are suitable for the
research questions that you wish to answer
Approach
Our basic approach will be to learn from examples. For each research
method, we will (before class) read one published paper that used that
method. We will then spend the first part of class discussing the
paper, the second part of class articulating the strengths and
limitations of the method, and the third part of class discussing
application of similar methods to one or more novel research question.
Within 48 hours of completion of each session, students will reflect
on the insights that they have gained by writing a page or so of
reactive commentary in their research journal, which will be shared
with and commented on by all members of the class (either using ELMS
blog space limited to members of the course or using a public blog, at
their option).
Contact Information
I am available by appointment to discuss material from class or other
things. Email is the best way to reach me to set up an appointment,
and it is also a good way to get a quick answer to a simple question.
Schedule
| Day | Time | Activity | Room
|
|---|
| Thursday | 5:15-5:45 P.M. | Office Hours | HBK 2118F
|
| Thursday | 11:00 A.M.-12:00 noon | Class | HBK 4115
|
A syllabus that summarizes what we will
cover each week can be found on the class Web
site.
Course Materials
The class Web site at http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/~oard/teaching/801/fall11/
contains the most recent version of all material produced for this
course. Among other things, this course description, the syllabus,
the reading list, and slides used in class can be found there.
There is no textbook for this course.
Students are encouraged to use the course mailing list to share
information that would be of general interest or for any other purpose
that seems reasonable. Mail sent to that address will reach the
instructor and all students. If you have not received a message from
the mailing list yet, please contact the instructor to make sure that
your correct address is included.
Grading
Course grades will be assigned based on class participation, original
reflections on course content that is recorded in a reflective
journal, and commentary on the reflective journals of other students.
Scores on each component will be combined to produce a single overall
score for each student as follows:
| Component | Portion of Grade
|
| Class participation | 40%
|
| Reflective journal | 40%
|
| Journal comments | 20%
|
Reflective journal entries should be posted each week by Sunday
evening, and commentary on the journal entries of other students
should be completed each week by Wednesday evening. Each student
should post at least two substantive comments on the blogs of every
other student over the course of the semester.
The University of Maryland is one of a small number of universities
with a student-administered Honor Code and an Honor Pledge. The Code
prohibits students from cheating on exams, plagiarizing papers,
submitting the same paper for credit in two courses without
authorization, buying papers, submitting fraudulent documents, and
forging signatures. Students must write the following statement
in their research journal:
I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any
unauthorized assistance on this assignment.
Compliance with the code is administered by the Student Honor Council,
which strives to promote a community of trust. Allegations of
academic dishonesty should be reported directly to the Honor Council
(301-314-8450) by any member of the campus community. Cases are decided
by joint faculty-student boards. For additional information, consult
the Office of Student Conduct Web
site.
Class Attendance
This is a discussion-based seminar course. You are expected to read
all of the assigned readings before class, to think through the issues
they raise, and to articulate your thoughts on the materials both in
class and in your journal. Class attendance is required. In the event
that a student must be absent due to illness, religious observances or
other reasons consistent with university policies, they should contact
the instructor in advance to arrange for an alternative way of
contributing to the discussion. If the university is closed during the
normal class time due to inclement weather or for some other reason,
class will not meet that week.
Accommodations for Disabilities
The University is legally obligated to provide appropriate
accommodations for students with documented disabilities.
Accommodations will be made only in accordance with University policy.
Students who are entitled to accommodations due to disabilities must
first set up an appointment with the Disability Support Services (DSS)
in the Counseling Center, 301-314-7682. To permit adequate planning,
this process must be completed and the instructor notified by
DSS at least two weeks before the session in which the
accommodation is required.
Doug
Oard
Last modified: Sun Aug 28 22:40:30 2011