Part One: Course Pamphlet

Evaluation

Students will engage in a critical analysis of their topic by means of the development of a preliminary research proposal, a literature review, and a paper that refines, builds on and synthesizes the previous two assignments. Students' work will be evaluated cumulatively based on the completion of three assignments.

1. Preliminary Research Proposal 20%
   The student will be required to submit a research proposal selecting and outlining a particular topic he or she wishes to examine. The proposal must identify a gap in existing knowledge, indicate why filling this gap is important, give reasons for selecting this topic, and summarize the general background needed to understand what is at stake. In addition, some plausible implications for the human services sector and the study of it, a tentative list of literature to be reviewed along with brief descriptions of the selected items to be investigated that demonstrate their relevance to the proposed topic, are required. If relevant, a tentative list of people to be interviewed, and other sources crucial to the successful completion of the project, are to be consulted. Approximately 5-7 pages.
2. Literature review 30%
   The student must complete a review of at least 12 carefully chosen publications or their equivalent from a combination of sources that relate to the topic. Analytical publications and resources must be current (produced in the last five years) and must clearly contribute to the chosen topic. The purpose of the literature review is to provide students the opportunity to examine existing research, assess debates in the human services community of knowledge, and provide an overview of current understanding of the topic. Students must demonstrate their familiarity with the various authors' viewpoints, effectively summarize their arguments, and discuss the validity of their conclusions, critiquing these positions as necessary. The literature review should also indicate the approach and methodology used by the writers along with an assessment of the persuasiveness of the argument. The literature review will then be woven in whole or in part into the final research paper. Approximately 10-12 pages.
3. Research Paper 50%
   The final paper will integrate the original and revised research proposal's identification of a problem, issue, or choice related to the topic, and incorporate the literature review in addition to any original research that the student has undertaken. The research paper will result in a final product that is the student's own critical analysis of the current trends and outcomes related to the particular problem, issue or choice selected. The final assignment should be approximately 20-25 pages in length.

The timelines for completion of these assignments will be arranged between the directed readings supervisor and the student as part of the Learning Contract.