RES 7972
Intercultural and Muslim Studies Thesis
I. Course Description
You will research and write on a topic in your field under the guidance of one faculty member who will critique your work as you proceed. You will defend your thesis before a committee composed of at least two faculty members.
II. Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.
Demonstrate the ability to do disciplined research on a specific subject.
B.
Develop the ability to think logically and critically and to articulate concepts and conclusions.
C.
Contribute to a greater understanding of the subject area.
D.
Contribute to practical missions efforts.
III. Required Texts
Booth, Wayne C., Colomb, Gregory G., and Williams, Joseph M. The Craft of Research,
Third Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2008.
Elliston, Edgar J. Introduction to Missiological Research Design . Pasadena, CA: William
Carey Library, 2011.
Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations ,
Seventh Edition. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.
Resources in Course Website (not for purchase):
“CIU Style Sheet.”
“CIU ICS thesis manual”
IV. Course Requirements
A.
Thesis draft. Under the direction of a faculty mentor, the student will produce a 60-
100 page (15,000-25,000 word) thesis that addresses and resolves a research problem in intercultural or Muslim studies. The final draft should be submitted in a single
Word document 4 weeks before the end of the semester.
B.
Oral defense . Once the mentor and reader are satisfied with the final draft, an oral defense will be scheduled. The oral defense will last about one hour in which you will give a 10-15 minute summary of your thesis and then field questions from the mentor and reader.

V. Grading Values and Scale
A successful thesis will receive a grade of A or B as judged by the committee.
VIII. Recommendations for Academic Success
Students with physical, emotional, ADD/ADHD, or learning disabilities needing academic accommodations should make requests through the office of Academic Success. These requests will be kept confidential and will be used only to provide academic accommodations. Because many accommodations require early planning, requests should be made as early as possible. The
Academic Success office is located on the first floor of Rossi Student Center (807-5611 or e-mail academicsuccess@ciu.edu). The Director of Academic Success is located in the Student Life suite also on the first floor of the Student Center (Lisa Lanpher, 807-5612, llanpher@ciu.edu). If you already receive services through AS, please contact her so that your academic experience in this class can be as successful as possible.
IX. Course Schedule
Research and writing deadlines will be established by the faculty mentor and student. The final draft should be submitted 4 weeks before the end of the semester.