Course Description This course focuses on the development of the doctoral dissertation proposal.

Emphasis is placed on understanding and defining the logical relations between elements in a proposal including the problem statement, conceptual/theoretical framework, literature review, research design and methodology. Teaching-learning strategies are designed to promote critical/analytical thinking and scholarly discourse. It will also focus on key issues such as dissertation format standards and review of published works. Course Objectives At the end of the course, the students are expected to: 1. Identify critical elements in the dissertation process. 2. Produce written material that is easy to read and that meets with the requirements of a doctoral dissertation, including the use of references. 3. Review and critique dissertation materials. 4. Apply theoretical and methodological understanding and skills into devising researchable ideas and specific research questions and hypotheses. 5. Conduct a focused review of the relevant literature and create appropriate conceptual/theoretical framework. 6. Develop a realistic research design with specific research strategies. 7. Think through and articulate a chapter-by-chapter outline of the intended dissertation. 8. Communicate research ideas and their appropriate theoretical and methodological issues effectively and efficiently. 9. Review and critique published research works. 10. Conduct a seminar focusing on timely research issues to address students query on research writing enhancement. Course Outline 1 VMGO discussion and reflection Introduction of the course and overview of the dissertation process Selecting a research area or topic Guidelines for conducting review of literature & studies A:PA format guidelines (latest) Guidelines in writing chapter 1 Introduction Background of the study Objectives Significance of the study Scope and limitation of the Exercises 1. Locate 2-3 articles that address your area of interest and that you consider important for the area. What are two or three critera that you use in making this selection? 2. Review relevant literature, identifying seminal activities/studies

study Definition of terms Conceptual/Theoretical framework Output presentation of Session 1

3 4 5 6

Writing of Chapter 2 & 3 Seminar-Workshop with invited Mock Defense AM - Mock Defense PM Final Examination

Blended Learning Interaction Learning e-presentations Group discussions Student case Presentations Oral/Written Report Self-study Seminar

Field Work Activities Dissertation Critique 1

Dissertation Critique 2