Post-Doctoral Certificate* Course Descriptions

Concept Certificate: Conceptualize Your Book

Students research where and how to publish. (9cr)

DOC 890 Develop a Vision
Students will be exposed to published examples of academic work so they understand “what success looks like.” At least one of the examples will be a dissertation that was converted into a book. After reviewing and analyzing these sample works, participants will begin to develop a vision of their own, working concept for their own work. Questions such as the book’s theme, focus, length, style, etc., will be worked through during this phase. As a final project, participants will summarize the lessons learned from the structure and vision from the example texts, and compare/contrast with their vision for their own book. (3cr)

QSM 859 Survey the Field
Students will conduct research to discover where their project might fit into a particular discipline or publication venue. Book reviews and academic journals will be areas of special emphasis. Facts discov-ered during this course could lead to adjustment of the vision, theme or focus in order to better fit a given publication venue. As a final project, participants will write an evaluation of the opportunities they identified, explaining how their work will target pursue those opportunities. (3cr)

DOC 891 Develop an Audience
During this course students will work to do two things: identify a possible audience/sponsor for their project (employer, association, agency, etc.), and determine possible venues for academic manuscript submission. Also, the importance of developing a relationship with a publisher will be addressed. Initial class will include presentations by a published author and a working publications editor. These talks will be designed to inform the student of pertinent facts and characteristics likely to be encountered in the early phases of the publication process. This certificate ends with an in-residence session where participants will deliver short written products and a presentation summarizing what they learned during this module, and how they will use this information to target an audience for their work. (3cr)

Research Certificate: Converting Academic Data into Manuscript Style

Students convert dissertation data and structure into manuscript format. (9cr)

DOC 892 Review of Dissertation
Based on knowledge gained from the first certificate, as well as additional research focused on their identified field, participants will review his/her dissertation in detail, analyzing what portions should be expanded, reduced, discarded, or redirected. Also identify areas where more research might be necessary. For example, a student might decide to conduct interviews to expand facts reported on a given subject – or add additional statistical analysis using different mathematical tools. A detailed review of existing footnotes / endnotes is also in order. Also during this phase the student should determine whether an editor, above and beyond the one the publisher will provide, is required. The summary project for this course is to author an analysis of the results of this review, seek a review of the analysis from other participants in the program, and establish a plan and timeline for the revisions identified and the writing of the text. (3cr)

DOC 897 Present the Project
Each student will develop a presentation that conveys the facts of their individual project. The student will schedule at least one public presentation, a conference, a speech, or other public venue, where they will give the presentation, explaining their work. In addition, they should identify at least one expert in the appropriate field, to which they can present the brief. The opinion of the expert/s should be used to further refine the manuscript. Continue work on the manuscript. During the resident meeting at the end of this module, each student will make his presentation, explain how it was received by experts, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of his/her project. Also distribute for peer review the draft manuscript as it exists. (3cr)

DOC 898 Complete Research and Analysis
This phase, consist of the student finalizing any additional research and analysis necessary, and he/she continues writing the manuscript. If not previously accomplished, formatting into the publisher’s format can be addressed. Gathering photos, tables, and figures that will augment the text can also be accomplished during this time. Provide the draft for review at the end of the module. (3cr)

Writing Certificate: Do the Work-Write

Students write and submit manuscript to a publisher. (9cr)

EDU 853 Begin Writing
The requirement of this course is for each student to produce three written products. The first will be an executive summary of the proposed project. This should be adopted by the student as a guide to accomplishing the project. The second goal is to write an article that summarizes the project. If published, besides accomplishing publication for the student, the article will serve to inform a possible sponsor or book publisher. The third is to begin work on the manuscript. (3cr)

EDU 854 Complete Draft Manuscript
The student will continue writing the manuscript in the required format. Provide the draft for review at the end of the module. (3cr)

EDU 855 Final Edit of the Manuscript
Student will complete the final draft of the manuscript and (if possible) forward to the publisher. While actual publication is an individual student responsibility, this course will help the student with final review of the manuscript. (3cr)