UMUC European Division

Course: EDCP 778 Research Proposal Seminar
Faculty: Alexander Boeringa, Ph.D., ABPP
Location: Wiesbaden
Contact: Field Rep. Or Dr. Boeringa
(ABoering@faculty.ed.umuc.edu)
Term & Dates 16 week course starting term 5, meeting dates June 22 and 23 (Saturday and Sunday)
Class Times: 09:00 to 17:00

Text(s): American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication Manual of the APA. (5th ed.) Washington, DC.
University of Maryland. (2001, June). Guide to the Seminar Paper. UMUC.

Course Description: An Introduction to methodology and principles of research for the professional both as an active researcher and as a consumer of research. Particular attention is given to the application of research to current counseling issues and trends. The focus of this weekend Seminar is to provide the student with sufficient tools to devise their own research or project proposal, assisting him or her in the topic choice, and planning for the timely completion of a major seminar paper. Oh yes, and this should be fun and provide you with the confidence that you can easily, if not effortlessly, complete the paper and enjoy the process.

Course Objectives: By the end of this course students should have:
1. A clear understanding of what a research or project proposal is.
2. Knowledge of the appropriate APA and UMUC rules of style.
3. A specific topic clearly in mind or at least a general idea of their area of interest and be prepared to begin the process of academic research in this area.
4. An initial schedule for the completion of each stage of the process.
5. A list of potential Supervisors and Advisors.
6. A rough draft of the finished proposal (just kidding).

Evaluation: The grading criteria will be outlined the first weekend of class.

Seminar Paper Timeframe
It is imperative that students realize the process of excellent professional writing is based on sequential planning, continuous feedback, and careful revisions. Consequently the framework and timeline provided must be strictly adhered to. Please plan your schedule
carefully so that you do not miss deadlines. The Instructor is available to preview any assignments prior to submission dates but will grant extensions very sparingly and only under verifiable circumstances such as military TDY orders, etc.

Due Dates
Conclusion of initial weekend meeting --- Draft Title Page and Outline of Seminar Paper.

08 July 02 --- Draft of Chapters 1 & 2.
22 July 02 --- Final copies of Chapter 1 & 2.
19 August 02 --- Draft of Chapter 3.
09 September 02 --- Final copy of Chapter 3 and draft of Chapters 4/5.
23 September 02 --- Final copy of Chapters 4/5 and Draft of Abstract,
Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, References,
Appendices. Selection of 2nd faculty for Oral Presentation (M.A.).
03 October 02 --- Final Paper given to Instructor and 2nd faculty for
Oral Presentation (M.A.).
07 - 11 October 02 --- Oral Presentation (M.A.)
11 October 02 --- Final copy and signed cover sheet must be in Grad
Office.

Autobiography:
I was born in Chicago, served two years in the Army, and received a BA in Psychology from Hope College, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. I hold a Diplomate in Clinical Psychology awarded by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). I was an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical School in Galveston and have also taught in part time adjunct faculty positions at several colleges and universities. Much of my career was with the Veterans Administration and for the past 10 years I was the Chief of Psychology Service at the Houston VA Medical Center. Of particular relevance to this course is my quantitatively meager, but qualitatively excellent, publication record.