Overview
This is a special topics graduate seminar to be offered annually or semi-annually in the MA-IS Program. Each offering will present a unique opportunity to engage with an exciting contemporary topic or set of issues and approaches that call upon the specific research and teaching strengths of an Athabasca University faculty member or, from time to time, a well-known author or researcher brought in from outside the University. MAIS 752 may be applicable to one or more MA-IS Focus Areas as appropriate.
Learning outcomes
Appropriate learning outcomes will be specified for each unique offering, but in general this is an opportunity to engage at a graduate level with peers as well as with scholars and authors who are active and current in their respective fields. Hence learning outcomes include:
- The ability to engage in intelligent dialogue at a professional academic level with scholars and artists.
- The ability to write critically and effectively at a professional academic level.
- The confidence in one’s abilities that comes along with the above learning outcomes.
Evaluation
Since each offering will engage students with a different content, theme, and instructor, the course materials and assignment structure will vary as well.
Participation in weekly seminar discussion
In general there will be weekly online forums for class discussions and opportunities for responding to the discussion questions each week. Students are expected to thoroughly review assigned materials before participating in online discussions, and to be prepared for lively, intelligent, curious, appreciative and inspiring discussion, dialogue and debate.