Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Materials
Assigned and suggested reading materials for each week will be available through the Canvas course.
Grades
Breakdown
This is a letter-graded course: A, B, C, D, or F. Students will be graded on:
| Activity | Points | Percentage of Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Live Session participation (8 sessions x 10 points each) | 80 | 21% |
| Discussion Board Post and Responses (6 weeks x 20 points) | 120 | 35% |
| Research Proposal (Draft 25 points & Final 125 points) | 150 | 44% |
| Total Points | 350 | 100 |
Scale
| Percentage of Points | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90% - 100% | A |
| 80% - 89% | B |
| 70% - 79% | C |
| 60% - 69% | D |
| below 60% | F |
Tentative Course Schedule
| Week | Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1: | Introduction to Qualitative Research |
| Week 2: | Parts of a Qualitative Study |
| Week 3: | Ethnography |
| Week 4: | Case Study and Narrative Inquiry |
| Week 5: | Phenomenology |
| Week 6: | Grounded Theory |
| Week 7: | Qualitative Data Collection Methods and Rigor |
| Week 8: | Final Paper |
Course Components
Live Sessions
Primarily, the course is online, however, we will have one-hour synchronous meetings scheduled each Monday from 7-8 p.m. Central Time where we will discuss the week’s readings, learning activities, and assignments and engage in collaborative discussions tied to the content of the week.
This is an excellent opportunity to communicate with others and ask questions. Due to the accelerated nature of the course, attendance is strongly encouraged and is based on active participation. However, if an unforeseen issue arises, an alternative will be available on the Live Session page in each module.
Note: Live Sessions that occur on Monday holidays will be held as usual. Students who are unable to attend can view the recorded session in Canvas.
Below are general guidelines to facilitate a learning community for Live Sessions:
-
- Come prepared and on time.
- Be respectful - be mindful of your tone, respect each other’s time and share talk time, check your opinions and emotions, and critique ideas, not people.
- Be an active learner and engaged in the conversation.
- Help others and ask for help when you need it.
Discussion Boards
This course is designed to be a collaborative learning community using Discussion Boards. The instructor will assign weekly questions relevant to the assigned course topics. Active student participation in the class dialogue with timely postings in the forums is important to the pedagogy of this program.
Initial discussion postings should be approximately 200-500 words and contain original ideas and suggestions. Sources for posts should be cited in the discussion forum. Use full APA style citations for other sources outside of course required readings.
You will be expected to contribute to the responses of at least one other classmates’ postings each week. Responses to other students’ posts should extend the conversation and not merely offer a comment of agreement or a descriptive statement. For instance, question assumptions underlying claims or offer additional questions for the group that will enhance learning.
Due Dates: Initial discussion posts are due by Sundays at 11:59 PM Central Time. Discussion post responses are due by Thursdays at 11:59 PM Central Time.
Rubrics and discussion board details are located in Canvas. Due to the accelerated nature of the course, and the dependence on the reflection and engagement in the discussion boards, late work is subject to a 50% grade reduction. However, if an unforeseen issue arises, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss whether an accommodation is available.
Research Proposal
The research proposal is a major component of the course. This assignment asks students to construct a paper highlighting different parts of a qualitative research proposal (using a suggested topic below or a pre-approved topic) related to Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice.
The purpose of this exercise is for the student to implement the learnings from other courses and advance those thoughts by choosing and applying one of the five qualitative methods reviewed during this course found to be the most appropriate to help answer an original research question(s).
This is a developing paper, meaning that sections 1-6 (Research Proposal Draft; see grading rubric) will be constructed and submitted in Module 5 for feedback. Feedback will be provided by the faculty on sections 1-6 for the student to strengthen and develop the paper for the final submission (Research Proposal Final; see grading rubric).
The proposal should adhere to APA 7th edition guidelines and be written in future tense. The qualitative research proposal will be a minimum of 10 pages in length. Additional information and rubrics are posted on Canvas.
Suggested proposal topics include:
- Allyship
- Psychological Safety
- Cultural Competency
- Identity Politics
- Racism and White Privilege
- Sexism, Heterosexism, and Trans Oppression
- Classism
- Religious Oppression
- Ableism
- Social Justice Burnout: Engaging Self-Care
- Issues of the Covid-19 Pandemic and Inequality
- Environmental Justice
- Issues of Policing
- The Great Resignation
- Or some other specific topic of your choosing
Course Policies
Communication
The instructor will make every effort to respond to emails within 24-48 hours of receipt, except on weekends. There are several modes of communication with the instructor – Canvas messages and email. The option of contacting the instructor directly for an appointment time is available and contact information is listed on the course syllabus. Please be courteous and respectful of the instructor’s time.
Announcements will periodically be made on the course homepage of Canvas. Additionally, university and advising information will be sent to students’ OU emails. Students must check both their Canvas messaging system and their OU email account regularly.
Grading
Discussion posts will be graded within 5 days of their due date and papers within approximately 7 days, depending on the depth and rigor of the assignment.
Late Policy
Assignment due dates are listed above and specific instructions for each assignment are listed in Canvas. Due to the accelerated nature of the course, late work is not accepted. However, if an unforeseen issue arises, please contact the faculty as soon as possible to discuss accommodations.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Academic Misconduct
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies, and procedures concerning academic misconduct. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
This site also defines misconduct, provides examples of prohibited conduct, and explains the sanctions available for those found guilty of misconduct.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
Diversity Statement
The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university community by embracing each person's unique contributions, background and perspective. The University of Oklahoma recognizes that fostering an inclusive environment for all, with particular attention to the needs of historically marginalized populations, is vital to the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission. This enhances the OU experience for all students, faculty and staff and for the communities we engage.
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Non-Discrimination Policy
The University does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual based on the individual’s race, color, religion, political beliefs, national origin, age (40 or older), sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or veteran status in matters of admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides. For more information, please contact the Institutional Equity Office.
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The University of Oklahoma is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for all students with disabilities. Students with disabilities who require accommodations in this course should contact their professor as early in the semester as possible.
Students with disabilities must be registered with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center prior to receiving accommodations in this course.
If you have a disability and would like to request reasonable accommodation, please see the Graduate Student Handbook or get in touch with the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no contact orders, scheduling adjustments and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. Please contact the Title IX Office at 405-325-2215 (8–5, M–F) or OU Advocates at 405-615-0013 (24/7) to learn more or to report an incident. Also, please be advised that a professor/GA/TA is required to report instances of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination to the Sexual Misconduct Office.
Religious Holidays
The university's policy is to excuse absences of students that result from religious observances and to provide without penalty for the rescheduling of examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays. It is the responsibility of the student to make alternate arrangements with the instructor at least one week prior to the actual date of the religious holiday.
Student Grievances
In addition to any policies outlined related to submitting an informal or formal grievance by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook for more information about the process of submitting a formal grievance.
Copyright Policy
It is illegal to download, upload, reproduce, or distribute any copyrighted material, in any form and in any fashion, without permission from the copyright holder or their authorized agent. The University of Oklahoma expects all members of its community to comply fully with federal copyright laws. If such laws appear to have been violated by any user, the university reserves the right (1) to terminate that user's access to some or all of the university's computer systems and information resources and (2) to take additional disciplinary actions as deemed necessary or appropriate. Repeat offenders will be sanctioned and their privileges terminated.
Registration and Withdrawal
If you choose to withdraw from this course, you must complete the appropriate University form and turn the form in before the deadline. If you stop attending the course and doing the coursework without the required paperwork, your grade will be calculated with missed homework and examination grades entered as zero. This could result in receiving a grade of F in the course. Deadlines are shown in the Academic Calendar, which is available from the Office of the Registrar.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|