Syllabus
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will take the students step by step throughout the processes of writing and presenting the proposals for their dissertation projects, including, selecting the topic, reviewing the literature, designing the research project, preparing and delivering the oral presentation of the proposal etc. This course is graded on a Pass or Fail basis.
EXAMS
Exams are not applicable in this course. However, the final presentation will be considered as a final exam.
CLASS CONDUCT
Students are expected to adhere strictly to all rules of attendance, punctuality and meaningful participation in class and in case presentations. Committing more than 2 absences will result in the “DN” grade as prescribed by KFUPM rules.
COURSE GRADED COMPONENTS
| Writing the literature review |
20% |
| Writing the proposal |
20% |
| Preparing the oral presentation |
20% |
| Rehearsing |
20% |
Delivering the Final oral presentation
|
20% |
| TOTAL |
100% |
*Points for absenteeism will be deducted from the total.
COURSE TIMELINE AND ASSIGNMENTS
Introduction & Orientation
|
2nd Week |
| Brain storming session to select a research area and topic of interest.
|
3rd Week |
| Meeting at the library to discuss the role of literature review, its tools and techniques.
|
4th Week |
Final selection of the dissertation topic, title and adviser.
Assignment 1: writing the literature review (collection of information)
|
5th Week |
| Literature review and Proposal writing (process, tips and guidelines). Assignment 2: writing the dissertation proposal.
|
6th Week |
| No meeting; to write the proposal.
|
7th Week |
| Midterm break.
|
8th Week |
| No meeting; to write the proposal.
|
9th Week |
| No meeting; to write the proposal.
|
10th Week |
Advanced presentation skills (4 hours short course).
Assignment 3: preparing the oral presentation.
|
11th Week |
| No meeting; to prepare the oral presentation.
|
12th Week |
| No meeting; to prepare the oral presentation.
|
13th Week |
| Rehearsal of the presentations.
|
14th Week |
| One day seminar
|
15th Week |
EVALUATION
The major issues considered in the evaluation of the literature review content are:
- Thoroughness, accuracy, and depth of the literature review
- Professionalism of writing
- Understanding of the topic
- Conclusion
The major issues considered in the evaluation of the Proposal content are:
- Organization of proposal
- Professionalism of writing
- Discussion
- Proposed tasks
- Tasks schedule
The major issues considered in the evaluation of the Presentation rehearsing are:
- Organization of presentation
- Professionalism of presentation
- Depth of the background of the topic
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Handling of questions
The major issues considered in the evaluation of the Final Presentation delivery are:
- Improvements after the rehearsing
- Organization of presentation
- Professionalism of presentation
- Depth of the background of the topic
- Communication skills
- Time management
- Handling of questions
|
