This course provides students with an introduction to graduate-level research and bibliography methods in professional writing. In addition, students will practice the primary forms of writing expected of graduate students.

As Christian professionals, we bear a particular obligation to research, read, and write well so that the ideas and interpretations we advance within our career fields, whether specifically religious or secular, will bring credit to our faith and our Father. In-depth research into a variety of types of primary and secondary source material allows the student to situate him or herself as a professional by gaining a fuller understanding of the historical, theoretical, and critical implications of a text. Jointly, practice in bibliography, empirical research, and other common forms of information gathering and usage will equip the student to process ideas thoughtfully and communicate them clearly within his or her profession.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 classmates’ threads in Discussions 1 and 4. In Discussions 2 and 3, the student is required to reply to 1 classmate’s thread and to reply to a classmate who replied to the student’s own thread. See individual discussion instructions for required word counts of threads and replies. (CLO: A, D, E)

Writing in Your Field Project: Proposal Assignment

The student will write a 2-page proposal that explains the topic choice, source types, and planned research methodology for the Writing in Your Field Project. The student will submit his or her proposal via Canvas to the instructor for approval. The student must cite 2–3 sources both in-text and in a reference page/works cited/bibliography. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Writing in Your Field Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Using the documentation style most commonly used in the chosen field, the student will correctly cite at least 10 sources that may be used in the Writing in Your Field Project. Each citation must be followed by a paragraph of 100-200 words that includes a brief summary, an evaluation, and an explanation of how the source will be used in the final piece. (CLO: B, C, D)

Research Blog Post Assignment

The student will create a 1–3-page, audience-driven, blog-style guide to the basics of research task assessment, source selection, evaluation, and citation in the student’s chosen field. The student will be required to submit a list of citations for resources used in the creation of his or her research guide. (CLO: A, B, C, D)

Writing in Your Field Project: Final Product Assignment

The student will write an 8–11-page work, incorporating at least 8 sources, appropriate to the student’s chosen field. Genre types may include academic paper (empirical or analytical), long-form journalistic piece, business proposal, case study, lesson plan, creative fiction or non-fiction, or any other genre that is appropriate to the field. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)