Learning Objectives
BIS 390 Learning Objectives
The objectives of this class are to develop an understanding of how the research process works; demonstrate the ability to construct, frame, and communicate a focused research topic in various contexts, particularly in written form and in oral presentation; demonstrate skill in gathering information from a variety of sources appropriate to academic research including oral (interviews), print, multi-media, and on-line sources; evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and organize your research in order to examine your topic from an interdisciplinary approach and to create new knowledge or understanding based on your analysis; construct a draft research proposal to present to your BIS faculty advisor gain experience in peer teaching/learning and develop a background in critiquing the research of others; and demonstrate the ability to be reflective and self-evaluative throughout the research process.
Course Topics
- Choosing and Framing a Research Problem
- How to develop a research topic appropriate to the BIS Senior Project
- Topics to Questions
- Brainstorming topic-related questions and the creation of concept maps
- Identifying and Using Sources
- Overview of library services, selecting and searching databases, using the web effectively, finding and using experts, and annotating what you find
- Evaluating Information
- Dissection of a crucial component to any researcher's work
- Making a Claim and Supporting It
- Examination of ways in which arguments are structured and the kinds of evidence available to support arguments
- Data Collection and Analysis
- Collection, examination, presentation of information
- Drafting and Revising
- Synthesizing your information into a doable research proposal
- Styles of Presentation
- Consideration of various presentation forms
