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Graduate Progam Information:
Marnie Leonard (970) 491-2403 Marnie.Leonard@colostate.edu

Graduate Study

E600.2 Research Methods and Theory: Communications Development

Students in the Communication Development program are required to take a research methods course. A research methods course is required because it provides students with (1) an introduction to research methodologies used in the field of English, (2) practice in critically reading and evaluating studies based on research, and (3) an understanding of the relationships among theory, research, and practice. Depending on their focus of study, students are advised to take either the Communication Development section of E600, the literary studies section of E600, or E601, research methods in TESOL, or, with approval of their advisor, a research methods course offered through another department, such as Speech Communications, Journalism and Technical Communication, or Education.

The Communication Development section of E600 provides an introduction to textual and empirical research methods used in the field of English studies. Like other research methods courses available to students through the program, the Communication Development section of E600 assumes that research is intimately related to theory and practice and that all research is an act of selecting and interpreting information. Throughout the course, students explore the implications of these assumptions, test their applicability to specific research methodologies, and consider how these assumptions shape the work of researchers using different research methods and approaches.

The Communication Development section of E600 focuses primarily on the theory and design of empirical research (e.g., surveys, case studies, and observational studies). Although students are exposed to library and electronic research, and are required to conduct such research as part of their work in the course, the primary focus of the course is on understanding the theoretical assumptions and methodological complexities of research typically conducted in communications studies and education. To accomplish this goal, students read, critique, and discuss research reports and methodologies, as well as carry out specific research activities throughout the course.

Ideally, students taking the Communication Development section of E600 will be able to apply what they learn in the course to their work on their theses and projects. However, the course is designed primarily as a survey of research methods and theory, rather than as a practicum in writing a thesis or project. By the end of this course, students will have gained a better understanding of a far larger set of methodological tools than they will be able to use immediately.

Contact us: Through the mail at 1773 Campus Delivery, 359 Eddy Hall, Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1773. On the phone at (970) 491-6428. By email at english@lamar.colostate.edu.

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