Directed Research Course Sample Syllabus
Date:
Project:
Student:
Faculty Mentor:
Credit hours: 1-4 hours
Insert description as proposed by student and faculty mentor
Insert discipline-specific prerequisites here
Individual departments will determine how many credit hours may be applied toward the major requirements.
Undergraduate research and creative works is a mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seek to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge (CUR.org). Undergraduate research and creative works is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop and practice advanced discipline-specific projects in collaboration with faculty members.
A student electing to enroll in a Directed Research course must contract with a faculty member to work on an existing research project or to develop a new project, and a specific list of responsibilities must be developed prior to approval. Credit is variable and depends on the quantity and depth of work.
(Departments should select and/or develop discipline-relevant learning objectives) May include:
- develop and implement an advanced original research or creative project
- develop the ability to explain the conceptual viability of the project and describe the major components involved.
- develop the ability to explain how the project will impact the relevant body of work.
- develop an understanding of and an ability to explain the ethical and/or legal implications of the project.
- learn to understand and critically evaluate theories, practices, and/or research on a chosen topic by conducting a thorough literature review and submitting a written integrative, critical summary of the current literature.
- develop advanced discipline-relevant skills and competencies including
- the ability to perform searches for relevant information.
- a comprehensive understanding of knowledge of standards and use of materials (taking into account the social and professional contexts of the discipline).
- develop a working familiarity with discipline-relevant technology and other discipline-based tools of the trade.
- develop clear and effective written and oral communication skills as demonstrated by
- the completion of a research or creative project proposal.
- the completion of a final URCW research report.
- presentation, performance, or display of the URCW project for public review.
Course Requirements
Time Requirement: (From High Point University Policy on the Awarding of Academic Credit)
ACADEMIC CREDIT CONTACT EQUIVALENCIES FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARH AND CREATIVE WORKS
| SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS | TOTAL CONTACT MINUTES PER WEEK | TOTAL RESEARCH/CREATIVE WORK HOURS PER WEEK | TOTAL CONTACT MINUTES PER 15-WEEK SEMESTER | TOTAL RESEARCH/CREATIVE WORK HOURS PER 15-WEEK SEMESTER | TOTAL MINUTES REQUIRED FOR CREDIT (CONTACT+RESEARCH/CREATIVE WORK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 | 180 | 450 | 2,700 | 3,150 |
| 2 | 30 | 360 | 450 | 5,400 | 5,850 |
| 3 | 30 | 540 | 450 | 8,100 | 8,550 |
| 4 | 30 | 720 | 450 | 10,800 | 11,250 |
Assignments:
Specific assignments are to be determined by the faculty supervisor and student, commensurate with credit hours. In addition, completion dates will be determined for each assignment. Specific assignments may include, but are not limited to:
Weekly Meetings
The student is required to meet with the instructor a minimum of 1/2 hour per week per registered credit hour throughout the semester. Outside work could include:
- Required Readings
- Literature Review
- Rehearsals
- Creative Design and Production
- Data Collection
- Data Entry and Management
- Data Analysis
- Empirical Research Report
- Qualitative Research Report
- Rhetorical Analysis
- Textual Analysis
- Audience Reception Analysis
- Cultural Studies
- Case Studies
- Ethnography
- Performance Evaluation
- Exhibitions
- Presentation of Project Results (Required for 4 credit hour projects)
Grading:
Students will be assigned a letter grade or credit based on departmental guidelines.