Geog 620:
Theory and Practice of Geography

Fall 2000 -- University of Oregon
Prof. Pat McDowell

Week 3 Schedule and Assignments

Monday, Oct. 9 -- The Process of Graduate School

Reading for 10/9:
Peters, Getting What You Came For, Ch. 10 "The Masters degree"; Ch. 11 "The Doctorate"; and Ch. 15 "Choosing and Managing your Committee." This book is on reserve in Knight Library.

While you are looking at this book, you might also take a look at Ch. 12 "Managing Yourself"; Ch. 13 "Playing Politics"; and maybe Ch. 16 "Finding a Thesis Topic".

Class meeting:
We will discuss degree requirements, in both the general concept and the specific sense. You might wish to bring your copy of the Department of Geography graduate Handbook to class with you. If you have any questions about specific degree requirements, bring them also.
You first round of research questions is due in class today. I will review them and return them on Wednesday.

Wednesday, Oct. 11 -- Defining a Research Project

Reading for 10/11: Read both of the following.

Lee, The Scientific Endeavor, Ch. 3, "Research" (p. 27-53). I have requested that this book be placed on reserve in Knight, but for now read the copy of Ch. 3 in Condon 108.

Booth, Colomb and Williams, The Craft of Research, Ch. 3, "From Topics to Questions" (p. 35-46) and Ch. 4, "From Questions to Problems" (p. 48-63). This book is on reserve for our course at Knight.

Class meeting:
We will analyze your research questions in light of the advice for structuring research given in these two books.

Assignment for 10/25: Round 2 Research Questions
Based on comments received on your first round research questions, select two of your topics and develop them further. (If you don't have two good topics left, it's OK to develop a new one.) For each of these two topics, write a one-page statement that includes the following issues: 1 to 3 related research questions on the topic; the problem, motivation and/or significance; the information sources and/or methods you will use to answer the questions; and if relevant, characteristics of the study area you will be seeking. Include 3 to 5 significant references for the problem, to indicate that your problem is connected to the literature and place it in context. Bring 4 to 5 copies of your two statements to class with you. We will break into small groups, read and critique each other's research questions.

Assignment for 10/30: Round 2B Research Questions and Term Paper Title
Based on the small group input, revise your two one-page statements, and turn them in to Pat on 10/30. At the same time, turn in your intended title for your term paper.

last update: 03/05/01 03:50 PM
Department of Geography, University of Oregon, Eugene OR, 97403-1251