Seminar in Political Science

Student Learning Outcomes

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes Consistent with DSU's Institutional Student Learning Outcomes, this course will demonstrate mastery of university outcomes I, III, V-VII and all seven program outcomes as far as the projects will permit. Students will demonstrate their ability to use highly demanding resources in the construction of a research project. Second, students will be expected to demonstrate the aforementioned skills through either (1) a single research paper of a minimum of 25 pages in length or ten short papers. Third and fourth, Political Science as an essential liberal arts discipline serves to enhance these values while this course reinforces the students depth of knowledge in this field. Fifth and sixth, this type of course is essential to preparing the student for both classroom teaching, in the pursuit of advanced degrees , and in preparing the student to handle a wider array of changes relevant to the use of Political Science in life. Program Student Learning Outcomes Specifically, the Political Science Seminar serves the various majors and minor fields as the primary capstone course. It provides the student with an upper-level class designed provide the student with the necessary depth to further the study of Political Science as well as to assist in the fulfillment of graduation requirements for the major/minor in question. Its unique contribution is in the presentation of unique elements of qualitative and quantitative analysis alongside research. Course Student Learning Outcomes
These outcomes follow closely the materials outlined under the "Course Content Outline." The development of a research paper will provide the key means by which students understand the materials over which they will be tested.

POLS 491 (Directed Study) Dickinson State University

Course Description
As the cap-stone course in the Political Science curriculum, the seminar demands from each student a demonstration of their ability to tackle more sophisticated problems of research and analysis while also preparing to meet the eventual demands of exit examinations. To that end, students will also expected to be engaged in the selection of a topic, researching the topic, and/or presenting the results of their research in the form of a paper. It is the intention of the Department of Social Sciences, furthermore, to try and provide students with avenues through which their research -as undergraduate student research -- can be presented in a more formal setting, including the appropriate regional conferences when possible. (See also Institutional Student Learning Outcomes)

Course Requirements -- Research and/or Articles

Week 1: Research Option: Review Resources and formalize topic with the instructor. Short Article Options:
http://www.scribd.com/collections/2983466/Political-ScienceSeminar-Readings Read 100 pages from ten books listed at the address above and write 750-word assessment of each, including a proper citation of the book. Submit each as completed. Contact the instructor immediately if you have any problems.

Week 2: Research Option: Bibliographical exercise assignment (four single-spaced typed pages) as follows: page one, articles; page two, archives, et cetera; page three, published primary sources; and page four, books. Week 3: Library and Online work. Weeks 4-15: Writing Short articles. Week 5: Research Option: Review seminar paper outline. Weeks 6-14: Library and Online work. Weeks 7-8: Review Exit Exam demands. (See Praxis II online resources for breakdown.) Week 15: Present and discuss project(s).

Seminar in Political Science

Teaching Strategies

POLS 491 (Directed Study) Dickinson State University

The key teaching strategy involved in handling a course such as this focused largely on the student-instructor interaction. However, students are expected to demonstrate the ability to "take control" in obtaining, manipulating, and evaluating resource materials. The students ultimate ability to handle this spectrum of materials is largely contingent upon personal time-management skills and complete the project on their own. Assessment of the Students Performance Applying the traditional grading scale of A as excellent, B as very good, C as average, D as poor, and F as failing, the determination of the grade will be determined by the extent to which the student demonstrates a successful handling of the assigned materials, including a basic factual knowledge of the topic researched. While there are numerous interpretations of any historical period, it will be incumbent upon the student to demonstrate a basic competency.

Accommodation for Disability

Students with disabilities who believe they may need an accommodation in this course are encouraged to contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 483-2999 in the Academic Success Center to ensure that accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

Your Instructor
Your instructor can be reached through a variety of channels, including email, during office hours (to be announced in class), and by appointment. Do not to call him at home. (Dr. Meier's email address is David.Meier@dickinsonstate.edu.