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GEOG 596A - Individual Studies - Development of Capstone Project Proposal with Peer Review

This is a sample syllabus.

This sample syllabus is a representative example of the information and materials included in this course. Information about course assignments, materials, and dates listed here is subject to change at any time. Definitive course details and materials will be available in the official course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Overview

In GEOG 596A, students will develop a capstone project proposal with mentorship from a faculty advisor and receive feedback from their peers through a peer review process. At the end of this course, students will present their project proposals in an online peer review session in Zoom and submit a written project proposal.

Objectives

Students who participate in this course will be able to:

  • Develop a research question.
  • Complete a literature review.
  • Discuss possible methods needed for the analysis.
  • Write an academic project proposal.
  • Present an academic project proposal to their peers.
  • Revise and finalize an academic project proposal based on feedback from their advisor and peers.

Required Materials

Typically, there are no required materials for this course. If this changes, students will find a definitive list in the course syllabus, in Canvas, when the course begins.

Prerequisites

There are no specific course requirements to take GEOG 596A, but it does require courses or previous experience in GIS and remote sensing and a conversation with your advisor.

Expectations

This is an individual studies class and, as such, has little in the way of formal online instruction. The "instructor-of-record" of this course will ensure that you're connected with your faculty advisor as you're doing your independent study and will set up the end-of-term online seminar in which you present your work to the others in the class.

Major Assignments

During the development of your capstone project proposal, you will be evaluated by your advisor and provide and receive feedback from other students through a peer-review evaluation. The advisor will evaluate your using the criteria below and assign a final grade reflecting your ability to develop a project idea and communicate your idea effectively.

  • Overall assessment of the student's performance throughout the term.
  • Creativity and initiative in originating the topic and then developing it.
  • Contribution to the advancement or application of GIScience.
  • Receptiveness to critique.
  • Creative response to critique.
  • Continued improvement throughout the term.

Course Schedule

While your work schedule for the course will vary depending on what is agreed upon between you and your program advisor, here is a typical course schedule:

Weeks 0-2

  • Summarize your research topic. Write a narrative of the research you will conduct and why it's important.
  • Conduct a literature review identifying at least twenty significant literature sources.
  • Write a bibliography, including a 3-4 paragraph explanation for each literature source.
  • Identify conferences for your presentation of research findings.

Weeks 3-4

  • Refine your methods (data).
  • Refine your methods (analysis).

Weeks 5-7

  • Write your introduction.
  • Write your methods.
  • Develop a draft of your full proposal.

Weeks 8-9

  • Develop a PowerPoint presentation.
  • Advisor reviews and comments on the proposal and presentation.
  • Revise proposal and presentation based on advisor feedback.
  • Practice presentation.

Week 10

  • Present to peers via Zoom.
  • Submit evaluations of peer presentations.
  • Review feedback on your presentation received from peers.
  • Revise your proposal based on peer feedback.