really stressing out about TESC lib arts capstone, in progress

[toast iguana]

thank you everyone,I have figured it out

[JohnnyHeck]

I now see that we are doing a research project, and you have to have primary research such as in person or phone interviews and direct observation. This seems to rule out any kind of paper about history over a 100 yrs ago, because everyone is dead. See what I mean? I am really really stressing out about this.

Please attach a current syllabus. My June2014 syllabus allowed either a Research Paper or a Creative Project. Are you sure you understand the difference? Did your mentor specifically say you have to do real-time interviews and/or observations?

[davewill]

I'm taking the course now. I think you need to ask for clarification. My mentor specifically said that past students have had good success with an historical figure as a topic. I think you're misunderstanding the requirement for primary research. It doesn't mean that you have to conduct the research, it just means you have to reference the results of primary research as compared to someone else's analysis of it. In fact, from the module one description:

Overview of Methodology:
How do you expect to proceed in order to answer your sub questions? These sub questions answer the major question for you.
Note: If you are thinking about using surveys or questionnaires, check first with your mentor. Only 10% return is typical and the time it takes to devise such instruments combined with the amount of time it will take to received them back and analyze the results might not give you enough time to complete your project by the end of the semester.

It seems clear that they don't think you'll have time for that sort of research. In the case of an historical figure, I'd try to either reference the figure's own writings, or at least some sources contemporary with them.

[toast iguana]

thank you for your responses

[adavis84]

I'm confused. There's no mention in that syllabus of a primary research requirement. Did the mentor mention it somewhere else?

It mentions using primary sources, though...

In fact, my mentor somewhat cautioned against some forms of conducting original research given the time constraint...

[derek12538]

This was the exact syllabus I received last summer when I completed mine, and I did no interviews. My topic was food waste and the title was "Wasted: The International Food Waste Epidemic". I bought 3 books off Amazon and started researching. I followed the directions on each section and handed in a 30 page paper at the end.
I got an A, and that was that.
Advice....
First, relax. It will come to you. There are good examples of TESU capstones out there, dig a little deeper and read through them.
Second, reach out to your instructor. You paid the money, put them to work!
Third, pick a topic of relevance to you. Something you will enjoy reading about and researching or something pertinent to your career. It made it a lot easier for me.
Fourth, follow the winning dissertation book. It tells you exactly what to do!

[JohnnyHeck]

My old syllabus is the same as this one. Research papers allow for secondary sources. However, there is no question about it from your PM that you are being guided into an Applied Project. The way you wrote your Chapter 1 may have left that impression with your "facilitator". If you did not get a choice, we need to know.

But, I don't get the general impression that you fully understand what a Qualitative Research paper entails. It's not at all like writing the usual expository paper. Perhaps you will be better off just going with your Applied Project, following all your prof's instructions.

[toast iguana]

thank you for your advice

[bricabrac]

Despite what the syllabus says I am being guided into an applied project. I guess some mentors have different preferences.

Or there could also be a misunderstanding. First, over the weekend you could try to clarify the problem you are having with your instructor. Explain, clearly, the type of paper you prefer, outline subject matter, etc. Much can be lost in translation.

If that does not work, you could always call the Registrar on Tuesday morning. If it truly is a problem with the instructor, the office may have already received complaints from past/current students. Explain the situation and ask if you could possibly be changed to another class. If there is an opening they may be able to accommodate you.