Syllabus (S'14)

DIGM 680: Thesis Development

Spring Term 2013-2014

Meeting Time: Mondays 12:00 pm – 02:50 pm, URBN Center 202

Instructors: Prof. Paul Diefenbach & Prof. Stefan Rank [stefan.rank (AT) drexel.edu]

Office Hours: by appointment

Course Description

The distinguishing mark of graduate research is an original contribution to knowledge. The thesis is a formal document whose sole purpose is to prove that you have made an original contribution to knowledge. To this end, your thesis must show two important things:

• • You have identified a worthwhile problem or question which has not been previously answered.

  • You have solved the problem or answered the question.

The main purpose of this course is to guide you through the thesis development process. A significant part of the class will focus on gaining a general understanding of reasoning and how the scientific and/or creative process is properly applied to research related to the DIGM program as well as the Drexel co-op approach to higher education. In particular, this term's focus is on the final efforts for finishing your thesis projects.

Learning Objectives

• • You will progress in the development of your thesis and complete your thesis project.

  • You will be perfect your ability to present your contribution to knowledge.

Format

Regular classroom sessions will consist of:

• Individual thesis progress reports and discussions:

• In each session, half of the class will present their progress and receive feedback from your instructors and peers.

• Thesis Defense dry-runs

Group Assignment

• • Group A: Kirk, Tom, Shao, Dan, Justin, Yue, Bingjie

  • Group B: Jenna, James, Liang, Chester, Phil, Bolun

Requirements and Grading Policy

Active attendance of the classroom sessions is required and will count towards your grade. This includes participation in discussions and providing feedback to classmates.

You are expected to attend all classes. Class participation is an important part of your grade. Missing 3 classes may result in automatic failure. If a student must miss class, it is the student's responsibility to contact the instructors the day prior to the missed class. Students will also be responsible for getting missed notes from the other students.

Grading System

• 20 points - Class participation

• 30 points - In-class presentations and defense dry-runs

• 50 points - Thesis progress

A+: 100-97, A: 94-96, A-: 90-93, B+: 87-89, B: 84-86, B-: 80-83,

C+: 77-79, C: 74-76, C-: 70-73, D+: 67-69, D: 60-66, F: 0-59

Schedule (may be updated during the term)

Drexel University Code of Conduct

Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Cheating Policy

http://drexel.edu/provost/policies/academic_dishonesty.asp

Drexel University Student Handbook

http://drexel.edu/studentaffairs/community_standards/studentHandbook/

Students with Disability Statement

http://drexel.edu/ods/student_reg.html

Course Drop Policy

http://drexel.edu/provost/policies/course_drop.asp

Course Change Policy

The instructor reserves the right to change the course during the term at his or her discretion. These changes will be communicated to students via the syllabus, website announcement, or email.