WALTER GULLEY, JR. UNIVERSITY (FLORIDA)
the college OF masonic INSTRUCTION
Online certifcation COURSES

DMS 4000: Course Contents

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Choosing a dissertation topic is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your academic journey. Depending on your field, your advisor might suggest a topic, or you might need to formulate one independently.

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This course will demonstrate 'how' to begin, immerse yourself in recent literature relevant to your field. Identify gaps or unanswered questions that pique your interest and align with your expertise and passion.

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Once you've identified potential areas for research, evaluate their feasibility considering available resources and time constraints. Discuss your ideas with your faculty advisor to gain valuable insights and refine your focus.

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Incorporating feedback from your advisor ensures that your chosen topic is well-defined, researchable, and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.

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For visual learners please visit the video found HERE

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MGL 4100: Dissertation Step-by-Step Guide

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Choosing a dissertation topic is a crucial decision that significantly impacts your academic journey. Depending on your field, your advisor might suggest a topic, or you might need to formulate one independently.

​

This course will demonstrate 'how' to begin, immerse yourself in recent literature relevant to your field. Identify gaps or unanswered questions that pique your interest and align with your expertise and passion. ​Once you've identified potential areas for research, evaluate their feasibility considering available resources and time constraints. Discuss your ideas with your faculty advisor to gain valuable insights and refine your focus.

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Incorporating feedback from your advisor ensures that your chosen topic is well-defined, researchable, and contributes meaningfully to your field of study.

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For visual learners please visit the video found HERE

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ENROLL

DMS 4101: Identifying a Topic for the Dissertation

 

Finding a thesis topic can be challenging. Understanding this it is vital to comprehend the process.  The right approach allows you to discover something that is both compelling and manageable. This course offer tips to help you navigate this important decision. :

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DMS 4102 Formulate Research Question

A research question is the fundamental query that your thesis will aim to answer. It guides the direction of your research and writing. A strong research question should be clear, focused, and complex enough to allow for in-depth exploration. 

Here are some examples of research questions for different fields: 

Social Sciences 

• Topic: Social Media and Mental Health 

• Research Question: How does the use of social media affect the mental health of teenagers? 

• Topic: Gentrification 

• Research Question: What are the social and economic impacts of gentrification on urban communities? 

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DMS 4103: Leadership Development

Defining a research problem is a crucial step in developing a focused and purposeful dissertation proposal. Here’s how you can approach this process and craft a compelling problem statement: 

Steps to Define a Research Problem: 

1. Identify the Problem Area: 

• Practical Issues: Look for inefficiencies, challenges, or gaps in real-world applications, organizational processes, or societal practices. 

• Theoretical Issues: Seek out gaps in the existing literature, unexplored relationships, conflicting theories, or unresolved scholarly debates. 

 

 

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DMS 4104: Methodologies: Qualitative, Quantitative, Blended 

This course delves into the mystery of secret societies. Such orginizations consists of membership organizations or associations that utilize secret initiations or other rituals.  Members often employ unique oaths, grips (handshakes), or other 'modes of recognition.' Secret societies have captured the imagination of people for centuries, often portrayed in literature, movies, and conspiracy theories. Exploring their history, rituals, and influence on society can shed light on hidden aspects of culture and human psychology.  ​

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DMS 4105: Style Guide

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The 7th edition of Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association was created by the American Psychological Assocation (APA) and contains the complete guidelines on how to format material for publication and cite your research.  It is a set of style rules that codifies the components of scientific writing to deliver concise and bias-free information to the reader.  

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This guide provides some of the basics to keep in mind, but it doesn't replace owning or borrowing the actual Publication Manual itself. It should be on your desk by your side throughout your writing process. 

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DMS 4106: Reference Page

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The reference page in an APA-style dissertation lists all the sources cited throughout your work. It must follow specific formatting rules to ensure consistency and clarity. Here are the key guidelines and an example layout for creating a reference page in APA style: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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DMS 4107: Choosing a Topic

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Choosing a topic for your dissertation is a crucial step that sets the foundation for your research. It’s important to select a topic that is both interesting and feasible. Here’s a guide to help you choose a dissertation topic: 

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1. Identify Your Interests  Reflect on the subjects and courses you enjoyed most during your studies.  Consider your personal interests and how they align with your academic field. Think about any unanswered questions or intriguing problems you’ve encountered in your readings or coursework. 

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DMS 4108: Convention Coordination

This study investigates the impact of the common gavel’s use for disciplining members among lodges, chapters, and councils [craft], and its effects on the Head of Houses with the craft. With the rising popularity of a rush to power in masonic houses along with one-year leadership in the east (i.e. Worshipful Masters [WM), the lack of experience is a causality leading to mental and health instability of the Head of Houses. Understanding this relationship is crucial. A survey was conducted with nine leaders in the east to measure their gavel usage towards discipline issues, patterns and anxiety levels when having to invoke the gavel as a disciplinary tool.

 

 

 

 

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DMS 4109:The Great Fault Line - A Study of Fraudulent Masonry

 This course examines getting approval from your dissertation chair is an important step in the dissertation process. Here’s how you can go about it: 

Steps to Get Approval from Your Dissertation Chair 

1. Prepare Your Proposal: 

• Ensure your dissertation proposal is well-written, thoroughly researched, and follows all formatting guidelines. 

• Include the title, introduction, literature review, methodology, expected results, and references. 

• Attach any necessary documents, such as consent forms, data collection instruments, and preliminary data if available. 

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DMS 4110: : History of the Black Church

 This course examines preparing for your dissertation defense is a crucial step in completing your doctoral journey. Here are some comprehensive steps and tips to help you prepare effectively: 

1. Know Your Dissertation Inside and Out 

• Thorough Review: Re-read your entire dissertation, paying close attention to the methodology, results, and discussion sections. Be familiar with every detail. 

• Understand the Big Picture: Be able to summarize the key points, main arguments, and overall contributions of your work. 

• Anticipate Questions: Think about potential questions related to your research questions, methodology, data analysis, and conclusions. 

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