SOC 4860 - Senior Capstone
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section A01, CRN 30713,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Dr. Amanda Fehlbaum
Professional Qualifications:
Ph.D., Sociology, The University of Oklahoma
Master’s, Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Bachelor’s, Gender Studies, University of Texas at Dallas
Associate Professor of Sociology
Email: afehlbaum@ysu.edu
Office: DEBH 507
Office Phone: 330-941-2716
Preferred Contact Method: Email
Communication Expectations:
I typically respond to email within 24 hours on weekdays. I strive to grade assignments within one week.
How to Refer to me:
Dr. Fehlbaum
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Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | The Art and Science of Social Research. 2nd Ed. | Carr, Deborah, et al. | 9780393537529 |
- Arthur, Mikaila Mariel Lemonik. 2021. "Preparing Quantiative Data and Data Management," in Social Data Analysis. Pressbooks. Web.
- Guest, Greg, Arwen Bunce, and Laura Johnson. "How Many Interviews Are Enough? An Experiment with Data Saturation and Variability." Field Methods 18.1 (2006). 59-82.
- Arthur, Mikaila Mariel Lemonik. 2021. "Quantitative Data Analysis with SPSS: Getting Started," in Social Data Analysis. Pressbooks. Web.
- Arthur, Mikaila Mariel Lemonik. 2021. "Presenting the Results of Qualitative Data Analysis," in Social Data Analysis. Pressbooks. Web.
- Arthur, Mikaila Mariel Lemonik. 2021. "Presenting the Results of Quantitative Data Analysis," in Social Data Analysis. Pressbooks. Web.
- Purdue OWL (2026) ASA References page formatting
- Chen, Victor Tan, et al. (n.d.) "Presenting Your Research" in The Craft of Sociological Research. Pressbooks. Web.
Recommended Resources:
- Oregon State University Department of Sociology. Writing Within Sociology: A Guide for Undergraduates.
- The University of California Berkeley Department of Sociology. 2011. Writing for Sociology, 2nd Edition.
This course is First Day Ready which means that your book is included as part of your tuition and fees. You may opt-out of these charges though it is strongly discouraged.
Students are required to have access to Blackboard as this course takes place online. These are the computer lab locations on campus.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6/29 | • Syllabus • Review Relevant Chapters in ASSR |
MODULE 1 Refining Your Research Foundation |
• Request Cayuse Log-In • Revised Proposal • Research Plan Template • Finalized Research Instrument • Progress Memo 1 |
| 7/6 | • Cayuse User Guides | MODULE 2 Research Ethics and IRB Application |
• Informed Consent Document • Recruitment Flyer or Graphic • Survey in Microsoft Forms (if applicable) • Complete Cayuse IRB Application • Progress Memo 2 |
| 7/13 | • ASSR: Chapter 6 - Sampling & Recruitment • For Quantitative Students: "Preparing Quantitative Data and Data Management" in Social Data Analysis |
MODULE 3 Data Collection I: Launching the Study |
• Data Collection Log - Entry 1 • Positionality Reflection • Discussion: Sampling & Recruitment • Progress Memo 3 |
| 7/20 | • For Qualitative Students: "How Many Interviews Are Enough?" in Field Methods • For Quantitative Students: "Quantitative Analysis with SPSS: Getting Started" in Social Data Analysis |
MODULE 4 Data Collection II: Completing and Reflecting on the Study |
• Data Collection Log - Entry 2 • Data Organization Audit • Discussion: Data Quality & Sufficiency • Progress Memo 4 |
| 7/27 | • For Qualitative Students: ASSR: Chapter 17 - Analysis of Qualitative Data • For Qualitative Students: "Presenting the Results of Qualitative Analysis" in Social Data Analysis • For Quantitative Students: ASSR - Chapter 13 - Univariate and Bivariate Analysis of Quantitative Data • For Quantitative Students: "Presenting the Results of Quantitative Data Analysis" in Social Data Analysis |
MODULE 5 Data Analysis |
• Analysis-Ready Data Checkpoint • Preliminary Analysis Memo • Discussion: Sharing Preliminary Findings • Progress Memo 5 |
| 8/3 | • ASSR: Chapter 14 - Communicating Science Research Findings • Purdue OWL's ASA References Page |
MODULE 6 Writing the Research Paper |
• Full Draft of Research Paper • Peer Review of Classmate's Draft • Discussion: Framing Limitations Honestly • Progress Memo 6 |
| 8/10 | • "Presenting Your Research" in The Craft of Sociological Research | MODULE 7 Presenting, Reflecting, and Looking Forward |
• Final Revised Research Paper • Research Presentation • Revised Resume or CV • Elevator Pitch • Capstone Reflection + Senior Exit Survey • Professional Profile + Portfolio |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.