Course Descriptions

Course numbers and credits vary depending on your degree program.

SBSF 3100 Skills for Academic Integrity (1 cr.)
SBSF 5100/8100 Skills for Academic Integrity (1 cr.)
SBSF 5101/8101 Skills for Academic Integrity (1 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of academic integrity and to provide practice using a plagiarism detection tool. Topics include definitions of academic integrity and plagiarism, Walden University academic integrity policy, and strategies for avoiding plagiarism. This course is designed to help students who need extra practice writing with academic integrity and is required for students who have academic integrity violations. Upon completion, students will be able to demonstrate improvement in writing with academic integrity.
Course fee: $205 (included in tuition for Knowledge Area Module (KAM) students)
Estimated time commitment: 5 hours per week

SBSF 5502/8502 Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research Methods (5 cr.)
SBSF 5501/8501 Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research Methods (4 sem. cr.)
This course provides students with an introductory understanding of elementary statistics for social scientists as well as an introduction to social science research. Statistical methods include computation and analysis of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, understanding of basic probability, and understanding of the normal curve, as well as conceptual understanding of effect sizes, probability value, and the correlation coefficient. Research methods include understanding basic language associated with research, such as the difference between theory and hypothesis, the nature of variables, and different research designs. Students learn to read research critically.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 10 hours per week

SBSF 6000/8004 Graduate Writing (4 cr.)
SBSF 6001/8006 Graduate Writing (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to improve the writing skills of two groups of students: those whose course instructors have recommended they enroll in a writing skills course and those who wish to improve their writing to enhance their ability to succeed in Walden’s writing-intensive courses and KAMs. Course readings, activities, and assignments provide models to help students create their own writing processes, teaching them how to generate ideas, give those ideas initial shape in essay drafts, revise drafts based on instructor and colleague feedback, and edit and proofread final drafts. Establishing these individual processes will hone the analytical and writing skills students need to perform at a graduate level, and give students and instructors opportunities to assess and strengthen students’ proficiency level. Major projects include summary, rhetorical analysis, research, and self-reflection essays and peer review of these essays.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 15–20 hours per week

SBSF 3200 A Practical Course in APA Style (2 sem. cr./2 cr.)
SBSF 6100/8105 A Practical Course in APA Style (2 sem. cr./2 cr.)
SBSF 6105 A Practical Course in APA Style (2 sem. cr.)
This four-week course focuses on the most relevant aspects of scholarly writing as presented in the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Instruction and practice are provided in references and citations, reducing bias in language, headings, lists, statistical and mathematical copy, italics and capitalization, numbers style, and table and figure formatting. The course is designed to help prepare students for successful writing experiences in coursework, KAMs, and capstone projects. This course focuses on grammar only in regard to APA style nuances. Similarly, while statistics and presentation of research findings are covered in the APA Manual, this course does not offer instruction in the presentation of advanced research nor is it a course in research methods. Weekly assignments are based on the required text, Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 5 hours per week

SBSF 6101/8201 Critical Thinking and Logic (4 cr.)
SBSF 6107/8107 Critical Thinking and Logic (3 sem. cr.)
This course focuses on the skills students need to read critically and think about complex issues, evaluate the validity of arguments, and construct reasoned arguments with logical conclusions. Students learn techniques for assessing ideas presented in written materials to help readers judge the strengths and weaknesses of other communicators’ arguments. Students learn to develop logically sound, evidence-based arguments to support their ideas and views in their studies and work. Finally, the course offers additional ways for students to bolster their critical-thinking skills by considering succinct writing, logical reasoning, and moral and ethical values.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 10 hours per week

SBSF 6104/8104 Communications and Teamwork in a Global Society (4 cr.)
SBSF 6103/8203 Communications and Teamwork in a Global Society (3 sem. cr.)
This course provides the information and sensibilities a person needs to work effectively in teams, to collaborate with others, and to function effectively in a diverse, global environment. It also focuses on the different communication styles of individuals, the dynamics of teams, and understanding basic issues and practices in cross-cultural communication and cooperation. As communities and workplaces continue to diversify and globalize, respecting differences, understanding how others think, and understanding how to communicate and work effectively with people who are different from yourself are essential skills for success.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 10 hours per week

SBSF 6150/8150 Graduate Writing for Non-Native English Speakers (4 cr.)
SBSF 6151/8151 Graduate Writing for Non-Native English Speakers (3 sem. cr.)
This course is designed to improve the academic writing skills of graduate students whose first language is not English. Course readings, activities, and assignments provide models to help students master academic style and create their own writing processes, revise drafts based on instructor and classmate feedback, and edit and proofread final drafts. Establishing these individual processes will hone the analytical and writing skills students need to perform at a graduate level. Major projects include summaries, analyses of academic writing, research, and self-reflection essays, as well as peer reviews.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 15–20 hours per week

SBSF 7250 Writing a Literature Review (4 cr.)
SBSF 7251 Writing a Literature Review (3 sem. cr.)
The purpose of this course is to help students write a well-structured, soundly presented critical literature review. The course covers topic selection, research analysis, and writing, editing, and proofreading strategies. Upon completing the course, students will have produced a literature review using a minimum of 15 self-selected research articles. This course is appropriate for master’s and doctoral students who are writing course papers, theses, or dissertations.
Course fee: $625 (included in tuition for KAM students)
Estimated time commitment: 15 hours per week