SBSF 5100/5101 Skills for Academic Integrity (1 cr./1 sem. cr.)This 2-week course is intended for students who want to develop a better understanding of an important aspect of academic integrity: plagiarism. Course assignments focus on developing a practical understanding of plagiarism and the skills necessary to avoid it.
SBSF 5350/5351 Writing a Literature Review (4 cr./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.
SBSF 5501/5502 Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research Methods (4 sem. cr./ 5 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.
SBSF 5503 Personal and Professional Communication (4 sem. cr.)
This course provides students with principles and strategies to effectively communicate in personal and professional situations. Personal communication focuses on developing skills to present information, influence others, and deal with conflict. Professional communication concentrates on communicating in work settings and with external groups. Communication research and theory serves as a foundation for exploring communication approaches and techniques. Social and cultural issues related to communication are considered.
SBSF 6000/6001 Graduate Writing (4 cr./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.
SBSF 6100 A Practical Course in APA Style (2 cr.)
This four-week course focuses on the most relevant aspects of scholarly writing as presented in the fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Instruction and practice is 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.
SBSF 6101 Critical Thinking and Logic (4 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.
SBSF 6103/6104 Communications and Teamwork in a Global Society (3 sem. cr./4 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.
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 fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Instruction and practice is 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.
SBSF 6107 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.
SBSF 6150/6151 Graduate Writing for Non-Native English Speakers (4 cr./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.
SBSF 7100 Research Forum (6 cr.)
Under the guidance of their faculty mentor, students pursue scholarly research associated with Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). They learn to work independently as scholars and develop a variety of important skills. For example, they learn to gather information such as research findings and theories from library databases and Web-based resources. They develop critical-thinking skills, learn to ask the right questions, learn the latest about their professional practice, and apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world problems for the benefit of others.
SBSF 7250/7251 Writing a Literature Review (4 cr./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.
SBSF 8004 Graduate Writing (4 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.
SBSF 8005 Foundations for Doctoral Study (6 cr.)
This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence. Major assignments include a writing assessment and the preparation of the Professional Development Plan, the Plan of Study, and a sample KAM Learning Agreement. (Students in selected doctoral programs/specializations are required to take this course immediately upon enrollment and must successfully complete it before proceeding with KAMs or coursework.)
SBSF 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.
SBSF 8100/8101 Skills for Academic Integrity (1 cr./1 sem. cr.)
This 2-week course is intended for students who want to develop a better understanding of an important aspect of academic integrity: plagiarism. Course assignments focus on developing a practical understanding of plagiarism and the skills necessary to avoid it.
SBSF 8104 Communications and Teamwork in a Global Society (4 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.
SBSF 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.
SBSF 8150/8151 Graduate Writing for Non-Native English Speakers (4 cr./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.
SBSF 8201 Critical Thinking and Logic (4 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.
SBSF 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.
SBSF 8417 Research Seminar I: Human Inquiry and Science (4 cr.)
This seminar focuses on students’ acquisition of substantive, foundational knowledge of the philosophy of science, including the construction, use, and verification of concepts, models, and theories. Qualitative and quantitative frameworks for inquiry are introduced. Students examine ethical, social, and political aspects of conducting research, producing knowledge, and engaging in scholarship in the American academy, including the role of the professoriate. (Offered every quarter to Ph.D. students. Students are required to take this course within four full quarters of completion of their Foundation course. Prerequisites: Foundation course—AMDS 8000, PPPA 8000, or SBSF 8005. Students who take SBSF 8005 must also complete one quarter of SBSF 7100 before enrolling in SBSF 8417.)
SBSF 8501/8502 Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research Methods (4 sem. cr./ 5 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.
SBSF 8503 Personal and Professional Communication (4 sem. cr.)
This course provides students with principles and strategies to effectively communicate in personal and professional situations. Personal communication focuses on developing skills to present information, influence others, and deal with conflict. Professional communication concentrates on communicating in work settings and with external groups. Communication research and theory serves as a foundation for exploring communication approaches and techniques. Social and cultural issues related to communication are considered.
