EDU 792: Systems of Human Inquiry

Overview

EDU792 Systems of Human Inquiry is a "big-picture" course on why we inquire and how researchers' theoretical frameworks inspire and shape their research. The course is a discussion of the philosophical foundations of research paradigms/epistemologies, including topics like critical theory, feminism, hermeneutics, interpretivism, narrative orientations, phenomenology, positivism, post-structuralism, and race-based orientations. Student gain an understanding of the fundamental concepts of research and come away with sufficient knowledge of the differences between qualitative and quantitative research to be able to choose a direction for their own research.

Locating a Sponsor

Students enrolled in JIU’s School of Education will work with sponsors for their professional synthesizing projects to ensure their work addresses the authentic needs of specific learning communities. It is important for students to identify a sponsor early in the course in order for the sponsor to collaborate with the student on the project. You can read more about the sponsor and access the required forms in the Sponsor Workbook.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze and evaluate systems of inquiry.
• Synthesize at least five education research resources that inform your own thinking and articulate a personal framework for inquiry into an education problem
• Prepare a decision matrix that can be used to determine a systematic approach to investigate an important education problem.
• Write an inquiry plan to solve an important education problem from within at least one specific and current theoretical framework.

DOCS Tab

• Important information relating to this course can be found by clicking on the “DOCS” tab within this course. There you will find Course Project information and a Study Guide.

Required Texts
EDU 792 texts are available from the JIU/MBS bookstore