Course Description and Objectives

Eng 553: Research Methods (3 credits): An introduction to advanced research methods in the English Language and Literature disciplines: types of research, characteristics of effective research, formulation of hypotheses, research design, use of print and electronic resources, use of interviews, personal communications, etc., and research writing techniques. Students will create a research proposal and outline intended to meet the requirements for Eng 598 or ED 598. The student will then complete initial drafts of the "Abbbstract," "Review of Literature," and "Introduction" sections for that research project using either the MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association) manuals for reference citations. No commitment is made that the proposal developed for this course can be applied toward meeting the requirements for ENG 598 or ED 598. Prerequisite: Students writing a thesis with significant quantitative content must complete EITHER a course in Statistics at the undergraduate or graduate level OR ED 584 (Measurement and Evaluation).

Eng 553A: Research Methods (2 credits): An introduction to advanced research methods in the English Language and Literature disciplines: types of research, qualitative and quantitative data, characteristics of effective research, formulation of hypotheses, research design, use of print and electronic resources, use of interviews, person communications, etc., and research writing techniques. The latter will require using either the MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association) manuals for reference citations. M.A. students should take this course during their first year in the program.