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Akamai University
COURSE TOPICS
 Library and Internet literature search in defined areas of study (as determined by an
approved course proposal)
 Foundational readings in defined areas of study (as determined by an approved course
proposal)
 Field observations in defined areas of study (as determined by an approved course
proposal)
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course is intended to empower the participants to:
 Effectively search the foundational literature (theories, principles and practices, historical,
philosophical social/cultural/global implications of the field) in a defined area of study
 Analyze, and summarize the research literature through extensive journal notations and an
annotated bibliography
 Effectively integrate new understandings from the literature with knowledge gained
through observations within professional arena (or the “real world” environment).
 Presentation of findings from directed study through a scholarly paper of publishable
quality.
BRIEF NEED STATEMENT
Instructional programs for mid-career adults are effective, many times, only to the extent that
the participants can individualize their studies for immediate application within the
professional environment. Such participants, motivated to explore aspects of the subject
matter in greater detail, should be carefully guided and challenged in this pursuit. In fact, it is
essential that educational institutions maximize the relevance of advanced studies to the
demands and expectations of the business, corporate, governmental, socio-cultural, global
and professional arenas. Strategies that relate learning more closely to life and work (and
what educators call “the real world”) permit more effective integration of new learning with
prior learning and experience. Students who learn in this manner are able to more effectively
apply learning at higher levels of cognition within more complex and challenging
environments. Such individuals are advantaged within the marketplace and highly desired by
employers.
COURSE AUDIENCE
Open as an elective to all graduate students with the written permission of the Dean of
University College.
FACULTY-STUDENT COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone Contacts
The student will initiate an initial telephone conference with the instructor within one week of
enrollment to clarify a plan of action for the course. This initial contact will help familiarize
the student and instructor with one another, and permit the transmission of clear expectations
for completion of course requirements. Periodic telephone interaction as required, at
student's expense, should be continued for the duration of the course.
Email Communications
Frequent email communications between student and instructor should be initiated and
continued for the duration of the course.
Alternative Communications
Students may send communications and materials via postal service, as appropriate. Chat
room sessions, when available, can be held on a weekly basis.
COURSE DELIVERY STYLE
Students read assigned materials and conduct an exhaustive search for literature in a selected
topical area of study and pursue foundational readings under the direction of the instructor
(according to an approved plan for study). There is an initial written essay examination, an
oral examination and a second essay examination. Then the participant prepares a scholarly
paper that identifies findings from literature and integrates and contrasts these findings.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Required Textbook
The required textbook for this course will be assigned by the instructor. Additionally, an
extensive library and Internet literature search is to be conducted under the guidance of the
instructor from which the students will select appropriate reading materials in support of their
directed studies. .
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment #1: Making Contact with Instructor
Make telephone contact with the instructor to arrange clarity on the expectations of the class
and to schedule the best times and methods for exchange of communications.
Assignment #2: Assigned Reading on Class Topics, Part 1
Carefully review the readings assigned by the course instructor. Keep anecdotal notations
during reading, gathering information on salient points of the reading. Submit an organized
summary of your notations for review by the instructor.
Assignment #3: Essay Examination on Class Topics , Part 1
In less than three typewritten pages, respond to the instructor-assigned questions in essay
form with citations and referencing to the text.
Assignment #4: Additional Readings on Class Topics, Part 2
Carefully review the readings assigned by the course instructor. Keep anecdotal notations
during reading, gathering information on salient points of the reading. Submit an organized
summary of your notations for review by the instructor.
Assignment #5: Instructor Oral Review on Class Topics, Part 2
Make telephone appointment with the instructor for a brief oral review of scope and
limitations of the course topics, part 2. Be prepared to present a commentary of the salient
points from the readings.
Assignment #6: Final Readings on Class Topics, Part 3
Carefully review the readings assigned by the course instructor. Keep anecdotal notations
during reading, gathering information on salient points of the reading. Submit an organized
summary of your notations for review by the instructor.
Assignment #7: Essay on Class Topics, Part 3
In less than three typewritten pages, respond to instructor’s questions in essay form with
citations and referencing to the text.
Assignment #8: Independent Research and Reading
Using all available resources including the Questia Media Library and online materials
presented on the websites listed by your instructor and prepare for assignment #9.
Assignment #9: Final Paper on Class Topics
This final paper is intended to be a brief presentation by the student, 7-15 double-spaced
typewritten pages, with complete citations and referencing to the scholarly literature which
has informed the paper, allowing a powerful and insightful discussion of class topics, with
emphasis upon the concerns listed by the instructor:
SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING RESOURCES
See Virtual Library at University Website
http://www.akamaiuniversity.us/AkamaiVirtualLibrary.htmlfor supplemental learning
resources and access to publishers and online book vendors.
INDIVIDUALIZATION OF STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS
The primary purpose of this course is to provide opportunities for students to carefully
inspect the applicability of the theoretical literature within their own professional
environment. This course allows students to select topics for study, identify appropriate
literature and professional environments within which the course explorations will be
undertaken.
COURSE EVALUATION
The instructor will evaluate the completeness and effectiveness of the student’s written
materials, including the proposal for study, annotated bibliography, report on field
observations, and scholarly paper.
The instructor will reflect upon the following expectations in evaluating the work of the
student:
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Completeness and detail of presentations
Richness and diversity of the material presented
Clarity of references to the scholarly readings
Focus and conceptual quality
Richness and coherence in translation of academic theories and concepts
Appropriateness of applications
Quality of writing of the scholarly presentation
COURSE GRADING DETERMINANTS
The course grade will be calculated according to the following formula:
Essay Examination #1
Oral Examination
Essay Examination #2
Scholarly paper
20%
20%
20%
40%
COURSE COMPLETION TIMETABLE
While the student is expected to carry out and complete all assignments and meet the
expectations of the instructor within 16 weeks from the start date, students are encouraged to
pursue the course requirements according to the following timetable.
Assignment #1: Complete by end of week #1
Assignment #2: Complete by end of week #4
Assignment #3: Complete by end of week #5
Assignment #4: Complete by end of week #7
Assignment #5: Complete by end of week #8
Assignment #6: Complete by end of week #11
Assignment #7: Complete by end of week #12
Assignment #8: Complete by end of week #14
Assignment #9: Complete by end of week #15
SPECIAL NOTES AND INSTRUCTIONS
Course Completion
The grade of Incomplete may be given ONLY AFTER discussion with the instructor and
only if there is an extremely good reason to give such a grade. An Incomplete will NOT be
given because a student is "behind" in work, needs extra time, simply because s/he wants to
delay the completion of the assignments. It is important that you turn in assignments within
the parameters of the agreed timeline. However, there are often unforeseen circumstances
will may befall any of us, therefore, I will be patient with you in the event of some personal
crisis. Don't surprise me at the last minute, call me, email me, and we will work it out.
Thoughts about Writing
Purchase a collegiate writing style manual. If you are unclear which is the appropriate
manual, please contact me and we can discuss this important issue. All written work should
adhere to the writing style and manuscript preparation guidelines described in your style
manual. Pay extra special attention to the rules related to referencing and citation of the
academic literature. In all circumstances, you will be expected to acknowledge the works of
others that have informed the work you wish to submit as your own.
Academic Integrity
Academic dishonest in any of its forms, including cheating, plagiarism, misuse of the
University web site, failure to comply with guidelines for the conduct of human or animal
research, and all aspects of professional ethics, will not be tolerated. Any form of academic
dishonesty is a basis for dismissal from the program.
FACULTY CONTACT INFORMATION
Instructor to be assigned.
Students are directed to consult with the Dean of University College to confirm the selection
of the course instructor.
Akamai University
Tel: 1 (808) 935-9934
Fax: 1 (808) 443-0445
Email: