MUSC 880 Introduction to the Thesis Writing Project

This course prepares the student to begin the thesis writing project.

Each student must understand the thesis writing process. This course will offer a comprehensive overview of both the thesis writing process and the expectations for the proposal defense. Instructors will guide the student in developing research methodologies necessary for gathering data and preparing to work with committees on proposal development and IRB applications.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

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.

Peer-Review Discussion: Chapter One Excerpt

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will share his/her Chapter One Excerpt Assignment after incorporating instructor feedback. The student will have the opportunity to provide constructive comments in a reply to 1 classmate’s thread and improve his/her own efforts by reflecting on suggestions from his/her peers. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a 5 – 8 minute video presentation to share his/her approach to methodology as detailed in his/her Chapter Three Excerpt Assignment. The student will have the opportunity to provide constructive comments to help others and improve his/her efforts by reflecting on suggestions from his/her peers. The student must reply to at least 2 other classmates’ videos. Each reply must be at least 350 words. If citations are included, they must be in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will create a 5 – 8 minute video presentation to share his/her overall proposal as detailed in his/her Proposal Excerpt Assignment. The student will have the opportunity to provide constructive comments to help others and improve his/her efforts by reflecting on suggestions from his/her peers. The student must reply to at least 2 other classmates’ videos. Each reply must be at least 350 words. If citations are included, they must be in current Turabian format. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Topic Inquiry Study Assignment

The student will complete a topic inquiry study by applying the Topic Inquiry Study Assignment Instructions and utilizing the provided Topic Inquiry Study Template. The student will review scholarly sources, examine potential topics for research, and identify one topic to explore. Current Turabian format must be used and at least 14 scholarly sources must be included. Acceptable scholarly sources include dissertations, theses, journal articles, and books. (CLO: A, C, D)

The student will schedule a Library Research Consultation with a staff member of their choice. The student will download the Schedule Research Consultation Template, complete the template, save it as his/her name_consultation schedule, and then submit the completed template in Canvas. (CLO: D)

Background and Problem Statement Assignment

Utilizing the provided Background and Problem Statement Template, the student will examine and reference scholarly literature to discuss the historical, theoretical, and societal factors that explain the importance of studying his/her chosen topic. Further, the student will apply research to seek gaps in the existing literature and describe the problem driving the need for study. Current Turabian format must be used. (CLO: A, B, D)

Follow-Up Research Consultation Assignment

A JFL Library staff member will guide the student through the tools and resources available through JFL Online. After the consultation, the staff member will provide a worksheet for the student to complete. The student will complete the worksheet, save it as his/her name_follow-up worksheet, and then submit the completed worksheet in Canvas. (CLO: D)

Chapter One Excerpt Assignment

Utilizing the provided Chapter One Excerpt Template, the student will create a comprehensive introduction for his/her study by organizing the content using insights gained from assigned reading materials and individual research. The Chapter One Excerpt Assignment should provide a solid foundation for the intended research. A minimum of 16 citations must be included and current Turabian format must be used. (CLO: A, C, D, E) 

Literature Summary, Matrix and Outline Assignment

The student will extend his/her research by going beyond an initial exploration of the background and problem. The student will create a systematic overview of 16 scholarly sources using the provided Literature Summary, Matrix, and Outline Template and develop an organized plan for presenting the information gathered in an expanded literature review. Current Turabian format must be used. (CLO: A, B, E)

Utilizing the provided Chapter Two Excerpt Template, the student will synthesize information from various scholarly sources to develop a well-organized literature review that is accurate in both content and methodology. Completing this task will establish a strong foundation for a comprehensive literature review chapter. A minimum of 16 citations must be included and current Turabian format must be used. (CLO; A, B, E)

Utilizing the provided Chapter Three Excerpt Template, the student will organize the content using insights gained from assigned reading materials and individual research to create a detailed explanation of the methodology designed for their study. The Chapter Three Excerpt Assignment should establish a solid foundation for data collection and contribute to valid, reliable, and trustworthy results and findings. A minimum of 24 citations must be included and current Turabian format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Proposal Excerpt Assignment

Utilizing the provided Proposal Excerpt Template, the student will combine and arrange the contents of the Chapter One Excerpt Assignment, Chapter Two Excerpt Assignment, and Chapter Three Excerpt Assignment in a single document called the Proposal Excerpt. The Proposal Excerpt can then be used as the basis for the Proposal to be presented during the Proposal Defense. Current Turabian format must be used. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Utilizing the provided Proposal Excerpt Self-Evaluation Template, the student will perform a guided self-evaluation of their Proposal Excerpt Assignment to assess progress and create a plan for improvement. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) is Liberty University’s preferred method for ensuring researchers are certified for human research facilitation. To complete the assignment, the student will go to the Liberty University CITI Training website, register, complete CITI training, and upload the CITI Training certification document in Canvas. (CLO: A, E)