University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

Summer 2008

The goal of this course is to welcome doctoral students into the community of scholars.

Designed as a 1.0 credit graduate-level course for face-to-face instructional settings, it is also effective as an asynchronous, self-directed program of study for unaffiliated viewers. Please allow 14 hours to complete it.

The class is meant to support and empower junior researchers as they become acculturated into scholarly institutions. Readings introduce the rewards of and obstacles to research; the causes and consequences of misconduct; the rights and obligations of professionals; the habits of excellent mentors; and the social mission of the university. We describe a three-step method for making moral decisions: my interests; our interests; all interests.

Participants meet "heels" and "heros;" work through interactive exercises surveying policies, rules, and regulations; and join a discipline-specific seminar on the social responsibilities of researchers. Finally, we identify sources of continuing education.

To begin, take a minute to acquaint yourself with the three tabs to your left. Click on each one--Schedule, Modules, and Assignments--and review the menus.

Ready to proceed? Click again on Schedule, insure you can see "0.0 Intro to course," and click there.