School 0f Education and Human Services

ECF 375
Readings and Research in Education & Social Services
2023-24 Second Semester

Instructor: Dr. Sonia L. Johnson

Office: AL87
Office Hours: Daily 2:00 and other times by appointment
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: Ext 2604

Course Description:

This course introduces students to educational and social services inquiry and is guided by a skills-based approach that will
support students in learning how to engage in research. This course is intended to be practically useful to students’ future both
as educators and practitioners or future graduate work. This course offers students the opportunity to apply critical analyses of
readings in educational and social services fields and in developing more systematic understanding of how to read and apply
professional literature.

Course Context:
______________________________________________________________________________
This course supports the Social Services concentration for the Educational Studies major.
It is designed as an introductory course and provides students with a broad base of knowledge of the social services.
This course supports the following institutional goals:
• To develop in students the cultural breadth and social skills than enhance their lives and to equip them to
communicate biblical truth effectively
• To direct students toward a biblical life view that integrates God’s Truth into practical Christian living
This course supports the following liberal arts core goals:
 Demonstrate essential communication skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
 Understand the essential features of human experience: civilization, government, and economics
 Demonstrate critical thinking in analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information and ideas
 Integrate all of life in a Biblical worldview

Course Readings:
______________________________________________________________________________

1. Galvan, J and Galvan, M.C. (2017). Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and
behavioral sciences (7th Ed). New York: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.
ISBN 9781138294219 or ISBN 9780415315746 or ISBN 9871315229386
2. APA Guide https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines
3. APA Style 7 Guide Overview:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/documents/APA%20Poster
%2010.22.12.png
4. Additional Resources
a) APA Style 7 Style and Grammar Guidelines: Style and Grammar Guidelines (apa.org)
b) APA Style 7 Guide Overview:
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/documents/APA
%20Poster%2010.22.12.png
c) How to Write an Annotated Bibliography (tutorial): http://sites.umuc.edu/library/libhow/bibliography_tutorial.cfm
d) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics: Code of Ethics: English (socialworkers.org)
e) EBSCOhost Advanced Searching: EBSCOhost Advanced Searching - YouTube
f) Mack Library: Mack Library – Bob Jones University's library (bju.edu)
g) Niche Academy – found on the Mack Library home page (link above)
Course Objectives:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Objectives: Major Assessments/

Assignments*
You will
NACE

1. recognize the need for information 1,3,6 Sanchez Case Study Questions

2. identify the most appropriate ways to find information 1,3,6,8 Projects 1-4

3. develop and implement successful search strategies 1,36,8 Projects 1-4

4. evaluate sources of information 1,36,8 Projects 1-4

5. follow ethical principles and responsibilities of the research process 1,2,3,4, Sanchez Case Study
6,7,8
6. describe quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods of research 1,3,6,8 Online Activity

7. complete a basic literature review/annotated bibliography 1,2,3,6, Annotated Bibliography

8,
8. employ improved academic writing skills and the ability to communicate 1,2,3, Completed Literature Review
clearly and concisely 6,8

9. develop a research question and plan for analysis 1,2,3 Submit research question and
plan to analyze
10. give a public presentation on a sociological issue or question 1,3,5,6 In class presentation of
semester’s work

Aligns with NACE Standards*

Copyright Policy:
_____________________________________________________________________________

Copyright-2023/2024 (Dr. Sonia L. Johnson) as to this syllabus and all lectures. Students are prohibited from selling (or being
paid for taking) notes during the course to, or by any person, or commercial firm without the express written permission of the
professor teaching the course.

Course Requirements:
_____________________________________________________________________________________

1. Reading Responses:
 Read and respond to all assigned chapters from Writing Literature Reviews: A guide for students of the
social and behavioral sciences by Jose L. Galvan and Melisa C. Galvan. At the end of each chapter,
complete the activities explained in class or on Canvas
2. Video Viewing Responses:
 View assigned videos. At the end of the viewing, complete the Viewing Response Form and submit to
Canvas.
3. Reference List and Resource Notes
 Project 1: Prepare a list of references for 50-100 articles related to your topic of interest. Submit your list of
references on Canvas.
  Project 2: Create a Source Summary Table/spreadsheet
o Compile your notes on 30 resources.
o Include: Author’s name, Title of Article, Publication Year, Name of Journal, Grouping Identifiers,
Summary, Methodology, Findings/Results, Comments
 Project 3: Select your Literature Review topic.
o Write a thesis statement.
4. Annotated Bibliography
Create a 20-item annotated bibliography of research resources that describe the nature of the human service
work. The sources need to be predominantly from Peer Reviewed journal articles, articles from news magazines,
newspapers, government websites, and books. The annotated bibliography will be divided into 4 parts, each part
will include 5 annotated sources.
 Project 4.1: Annotated Bibliography of sources 1-6
 Project 4.2: Annotated Bibliography of sources 7-13
 Project 4.3: Annotated Bibliography of sources 14-20
5. Literature Review Outline
 Project 5: Literature Review Outline
o Design a road map that lays out you’re the path of your argument. Use appropriate levels in
accordance with APA Style.
6. Literature Review Term Paper
Write a literature review (at least 2500 words long) on an approved topic based on the research you conducted. See
Guidelines below:
 Project 6.1: First Draft
o Content: Papers written for another course (all or in part) cannot be used to fill the requirements for this
paper. The finished paper should be approximately 2,500 words (about 10 pages for the text/body of the
paper. This excludes other parts of the paper, such as the title page, abstract, references, and
appendices). Papers written for another course (all or in part) cannot be used to fill the requirements for
this paper. Longer papers are acceptable but should not exceed 15 pages. Papers shorter than 10
pages will not meet the minimum expectations. The paper should not be simply a historical survey of a
topic or issue; you need to propose and support a solution. The paper must also discuss ethical
dilemmas (Kitchener’s model) associated with the topic and reference the appropriate and applicable
NASW Code of Ethics that pertain to the topic of the paper.
o Format: Follow APA 7 format for in-text citations and reference entries. Papers should include a
bibliography/reference and a title page. Use a standard 12-point font, 1-inch margins on all sides.
Number the pages (upper right corner).
o Sources: The paper must have references of at least twenty (20) different sources. Your sources should
include a variety of textual works from periodicals/journals, books, reference works, edited book
chapters, reports, conference sessions or presentations, dissertations or theses, reviews, data sets,
audiovisual media or online media. Your references should include at least three different types of
sources.
o In-Text Citations: Make careful citations of all sources. Any type of plagiarism—including misquoting,
borrowing words or phrases without using quotation marks, inaccurate paraphrasing (including use of
organization), or failing to give credit for material used—is unacceptable and will incur penalties. If you
have questions about how to properly use a source, ask. Both oral and written presentations will need to
include citations of sources used.
o Submit your document as BOTH a WORD doc and PDF doc.
 Project 6.2: Final Draft
o Revise your first draft. Ply close attention to previous feedback.
o Submit your document as BOTH a WORD doc and PDF doc.

7. Oral Presentation of the Literature Review

 Project 7: Oral Presentation
o Each student will give a 7-minute oral presentation. The oral presentation should give a concise
overview of their findings as well as the student’s impressions and insights gained from conducting the
literature research and in writing the paper.
o The presentation should include visuals and can be in the format of PowerPoint, Prezi, Video, or other
media types. Additional guidelines will be provided on Canvas and/or in class.
 8. Biblical Worldview of Social Services Essay
 Project 8: Essay on your Biblical Worldview of Social Services
o Each student will write an essay that address the six values of the National Association of Social
Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics from a Biblical worldview. The NASW Code of Ethics begins with a
definition of the six principles, each with its own core value that guides the profession--service, social
justice, the importance of human relationships, the dignity and worth of the person, integrity, and
competency.
o The essay will be at least eight well developed paragraphs including an introductory paragraph, one
paragraph for each principle, and a concluding paragraph. Support your Biblical worldview with
scripture. Follow APA 7 Style and Grammar Guidelines
Contacting me:

My office hours and contact information are posted on this syllabus, on the course webpage, and BJU online. If you need help and
can’t see me during my posted office hours, call my office or email me. I will make time for you. Email is perhaps the best way to
contact me; however, I limit my time on email to workday hours M-F.

Class Announcements:

Each class will begin with a housekeeping session, at which time the course calendar will be reviewed, and upcoming
assignments clarified. Please try to ask specific questions about assignments at that time. There will also be time set aside in
class for discussion of the assigned readings.

Food/Beverage in the classroom:

You are welcome to bring a beverage to class if it is in a bottle or travel mug with a lid. Please do not bring food into the
classroom.

Academic Success:
II Corinthians 9:8-15 sets forth the fundamental principle for the Christian’s approach to academic success: to reap much,
laborers must first sow much; and to obtain abundant rewards, we must first give abundantly of ourselves—of our time, talents,
efforts, and energies. Likewise, in order to succeed in this class (and in life in general), you will have to commit yourselves to the
labor of learning and put forth much time, effort, and energy to succeed. YOU are my business! I want you to get everything you
came for this year, and I am committed to helping you succeed. One of the goals I have for you this (and every year you’re in the
program) is to help you develop into a professional Christian educator. A professional is known for his/her integrity, honesty,
wisdom, and excellent work ethic and product. A Christian professional works to please Christ and to be conformed into His
image.

Therefore, I expect you:

 to conduct yourself in a manner that is conducive to your own as well as your classmates’ growth toward
Christlikeness.
 to attend class regularly.
 to keep me informed of planned absences.
 to let me know of your needs as a student (seating preferences, testing accommodations, etc.)
 to come to class fully prepared to learn and participate
 to complete all assignments in a timely fashion
 to act respectfully and professionally toward everyone in the class.
 to refrain from texting, answering email, or doing other work during the class period.
 to work cooperatively and respectfully with the children, teachers, and others you will be interacting with this semester.

Academic Integrity:
“Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly: Hebrews 13:18

In their academic lives, students exhibit integrity by being truthful about their own academic work and properly acknowledging
sources of ideas and information. Violating the principle of academic integrity is a serious matter. See portions of Policy 5.4.1.3
(below) of the Bob Jones University Policy Manual, 2021.
 5.4.1.3.1 Cheating • Unauthorized use or attempted use of assistance, information or aids in any academic
assignment. Copying from another student’s test or assignment. • Use of notes or other helps on a test or assignment •
Requesting or accepting answers on a quiz or test from another student who has already taken it • Discussing test
information to any extent with other students • Accessing or possessing any material not expressly permitted during an
exam, such as crib sheets, notes, books. • Continuing to write after a timed exam has ended or changing answers after
a test or assignment has been completed. • Possession of a test prior to exam date. • Submission of the same work to
fulfil the requirements of more than one course without prior approval.

5.4.1.3.2 Falsification • The invention or fabrication of data. • Changing answers after an exam has been returned. •
Submission of term papers or projects done by others. • Having another person take an exam or complete an
assignment for oneself. 5.4.1.3.3 Unacceptable Collaboration Working with another student or students on an
assignment intended to be done individually.

5.4.1.3.4 Falsification of Cheating • Helping or attempting to help a student to violate any provision of this policy. •
Providing to another student or students notes or other helps on a test or assignment • Taking an exam or completing
an assignment for another student. • Transmitting quizzes or tests or answer to quizzes or tests to other students by
any means.

Plagiarism:
Any plagiarism/cheating noted in projects turned in for a grade will be given a grade of zero and will be considered academic
misconduct. There are times when students unintentionally plagiarize. In these cases, students may be granted opportunity to
redo a project; however, the grade for a revised project will never be higher than C-. See Policy 5.4.1.3.6 (below) of the Bob
Jones University Policy Manual, 2021.

5.4.1.3.6 Plagiarism The intentional or unintentional use to any degree of the ideas or words of one’s source material
without proper acknowledgement. Plagiarism is theft, and the Scriptures are clear that we are to respect the property
of others and to be honest and above reproach in all things (Exod. 20:15; Rom. 12:17; Heb. 13:18). Regardless of the
source being used (internet site, book, database, magazine, newspaper, computer program, speech, class notes,
handouts, etc.), all words and information from those sources must be presented accurately and acknowledged
properly so that a student’s integrity is not called into question and his or her testimony harmed. Substantial—Failure
to acknowledge the use of an author’s ideas or organization by footnote or identification of the source in the text of the
paper. Incomplete paraphrase (mere rearrangement of syntax and substitution of synonyms for the author’s words) is
plagiarism. Verbal—Failure to acknowledge the use of an author’s words by quotation marks, as well as by footnote or
identification in the text.

Attendance Records:
Compliance with student handbook policies is expected during class. I will take attendance each class period and report
absences within 24 hours. You will need to keep track of the days you miss and be careful not to exceed them. University policy
says that exceeding the number of personal absences per class results in an automatic withdrawal from this course by the
Administration. To create an attendance record, you will sign-in on a class attendance sheet at the beginning of each class
period. Attendance sheets will be dated and kept in my office for the entire semester and will be the only record of attendance I
keep. You must sign the attendance sheet for yourself. Your classmates cannot sign in for you.

Absences:
If you plan to miss a class, you are expected to let me know PRIOR to missing the class. An email about your absence is
expected. You are also expected to turn in (early or on time) any project and take any test or quiz scheduled on or before the
day you plan to miss class. See the BJU Policy on Absences BJU Policies | Bob Jones University

Unplanned Absences: You should contact me as soon possible to discuss emergency situations or needs for assignment
extensions. I am happy to work with you and make adjustments to the schedule in light of emergencies, but I do reserve the right
to refuse to postpone due dates or reschedule tests or quizzes based on the nature of your emergency. It is your responsibility
to get class notes and assignments that were missed due to planned absences or tardiness.

Expectations regarding the use of technology:

You will use a variety of technology tools to complete assignments in this course, including Microsoft Word, Power Point, the
BJU Intranet and Intranet resources, search engines, BJU library research/database tools, and email. All coursework should be
prepared as WORD documents. All written work shall be formatted to APA Style 7 guidelines. Work should be carefully proofed
for spelling, grammar/mechanical errors and should reflect standard page formatting (i.e., 1” margins all around with a standard
font, such as 12-point Times New Roman, or Arial.

Late/Early Dismissal:
Late arrivals will be noted on the attendance sheets. If you arrive more than 20 minutes late you will be marked absent. Please
let me know about any work or school duties that may cause you to be late for class on a regular basis. In addition, all
assignments, including tests, quizzes, and projects are due at the beginning of the class hour unless otherwise stated on the
syllabus schedule.

Late Work:
Late work will be penalized at minimum of 10% of the final grade each day late, with the first penalty applying after the assigned
due date and time. I do include weekends in the late penalty deduction. No work more than one week late will be accepted
unless we discuss your situation and I give you an extension. Assignments more than 3 days late will receive zero points.

Problems with Internet:

If you have any difficulty with turning in assignments on time due to difficulties with the Internet, please contact the Help Desk as
soon as you can and email me to let me know of the difficulty. I may or may not extend the time to turn in digital assignments
depending on the severity and timing of the problem. Remember, there are computers in the library and Ed Tech lab for your
use if you cannot get the Internet to work in your dorm or home.

Course Communication:
All email communication concerning this class will be done through your Bob Jones University e-mail account. All communication
(email, chat, discussions, etc.) should be conducted in a way that glorifies Christ and does not reflect poorly on Him. Please
follow the University Communication Policies.

Presentations:
Because it is often difficult or impossible to reschedule student-directed presentations, and oral reports, any student who is
absent on the day he or she is scheduled for a presentation will receive a grade of zero for that presentation. A possible
exception may be made in case of a medical emergency. Please contact the professor as soon as possible in case of a medical
emergency. Medical documentation will need to be provided if you wish the professor to consider rescheduling a presentation
due to a medical emergency. I expect all presentations to be professional in manner (professional dress and demeanor).

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:

Bob Jones University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified
persons with disabilities. Please let me know if you have an identified learning disability or condition that may impair your ability
to complete this course successfully within the first week of class. Also, I would appreciate your letting me know if you are
receiving help through the BJU Center for Learning and Academic Services this semester, or if you feel you need additional
academic support. I am happy to help you access the various academic resources available here on our campus. Please also let
me know about any serious medical condition that may hinder your learning this semester or may require specific medical care
in case of an emergency.
 Tentative Schedule
Date Day Class Topics Textbook Readings
Jan. 10 W Introductions and Overview (1) Read Galvan #1
Jan. 12 F What is Research and why important? (2)
Jan. 15 M MLK Jr. Day
Jan. 17 W The Context of Social Research (3)
Jan. 19 F Politics & Ethics of Research (4)
Jan. 22 M What are the types of research? ( 5)
Jan. 24 W Galvan Activity Chapter 1 #2 Read Galvan #2
Jan. 26 F Qualitative Research
Jan. 29 M Library – Using Databases
Jan. 31 W Qualitative Research – Vonnie Lee start in class
Feb. 2 F Quantitative Research
Feb. 5 M Review/ APA- Citation (8.a) Choosing topic Read Galvan #3
Feb. 7 W Read Galvan #4
Feb. 9 F Work Day -
Feb. 12 M Annotated bibliographies (8) Deep Dive into Analysis
Feb. 13 – 16 T-F Classes/Activities end at 5pm on Tuesday for Bible Conference
M Quick Video summary of Quantitative vs. Qualitative
Feb. 19 Research– see CANVAS for Assignment and
directions
Feb. 21 W Selecting Titles to Include Read Galvan #5
Feb. 23 F Analyzing Quantitative Literature
Feb. 26 M Analyzing Qualitative Literature Read Galvan #6
Feb. 28 W Organizing Notes Read Galvan #7
Mar. 1 F Test over Research Basics
Mar. 4 M Read Galvan #7
Mar. 6 W
Mar. 8 F “Test” Over APA - Virtual Class Read Galvan #8
Mar. 11 M
W Virtual Class Assignment - Chapter 7 Activity – see
Mar. 13 Read Galvan #9
CANVAS for Assignment and directions
Mar. 15 F Biblical Worldview – lecture
Mar. 18-22 M Spring Break
Mar. 25 M NASW Aligned with Biblical Worldview -discuss Project 4.3
W Read Galvan #9/
Mar. 27 Synthesizing Data
Project 5.1
Mar. 29 F Writing your 1st draft -Work Day Read Galvan #10
M -bring hard copy of your 1st draft of Lit Rev – See Read Galvan #11
Apr. 1
CANVAS Peer Evals
Apr. 3 W Preparing your final draft Read Galvan #12
Apr. 5 F Virtual Workday
Apr. 8 M
Apr. 10 W University Service Day
F Workday/Final Paper Due 11:59 – no late papers will
Apr. 12
be accepted
Apr. 15 M
Apr. 17 W
F Workday Day - NASW Values Aligned with Biblical
Apr. 19
Worldview
M Presentations - all presentations must be uploaded by
Apr. 22
8:00 AM today
Apr. 24 W Presentations
Apr. 26 F Review – Finish Presentations
Apr. 29-May 2 M-Th Final Exam Week - Last class day is the final exam period
 Grading
# Item Pts. Total
Basic Research Assignments
1 Sanchez Family Case Study
20
1 Protecting Privacy 20
Creating a Research Question for the Sanchez Case Study
1 20
1 Qualitative Study 20
1 Quantitative Study 20
1 Quick Video Summary Activity 25
1 Hollocks Activity 10
2 Test 200 335
Galvan Assignments
1 Chapter 1 10
1 Chapter 2 10
1 Chapter 3 10
1 Chapter 4 10
1 Chapter 5 10
1 Chapter 6 10
1 Chapter 7 10
1 Chapter 8 10
1 Chapter 9 10
1 Chapter 10 10
1 Chapter 11 10
1 Chapter 12 10
1 Chapter 13 10 130
Writing Projects
1 PROJECT 1: Reference List (20-30) 25
1 PROJECT 2: Lit Rev Topic & Statement 20
1 PROJECT 3: Source notes – table or Excel 25
1 PROJECT 4.1: Annotated Bibliography 1-5 15
1 PROJECT 4.2: Annotated Bibliography 6-10 15
1 PROJECT 4.3: Annotated Bibliography 11-15 15
1 PROJECT 5.1: Topic Outline 10
1 PROJECT 5.2 10
1 PROJECT 6.1:st Draft of Lit Rev Term Paper 50
1 PROJECT 6.2: Final Draft of Term Paper 50
1 PROJECT 7: Oral presentation of Term Paper 25
1 PROJECT8: Biblical Worldview of Social Services Essay
100 360
Total Points: 825

Scale:
A 825-742
B 743-657
C 656-572
D 571-487
F 486 and below
*All Assignments must be completed to pass this class.