SBSF 5100 / 5101, Skills for Academic Integrity (1 cr.)

This 2-week course is intended for students who want to develop a better understanding of how to read, summarize, quote, and paraphrase texts following APA guidelines. Course assignments focus on developing a practical understanding of academic honesty and the skills necessary to avoid plagiarizing.

How to register for this course

SBSF 5501/5502 Introduction to Statistics and Applied Research Methods (4 sem. cr./5 qtr. cr.)

This course provides students with an introductory understanding of elementary statistics for social scientists as well as an introduction to social science research. Statistical methods include computation and analysis of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, understanding of basic probability, and understanding of the normal curve, as well as conceptual understanding of effect sizes, probability value, and the correlation coefficient. Research methods include understanding basic language associated with research, such as the difference between theory and hypothesis, the nature of variables, and different research designs. Students learn to read research critically.

How to register for this course

SBSF 5503 Personal and Professional Communication (4 sem. cr./5 qtr. cr.) 

This course provides students with principles and strategies to effectively communicate in personal and professional situations. Personal communication focuses on developing skills to present information, influence others, and deal with conflict. Professional communication concentrates on communicating in work settings and with external groups. Communication research and theory serves as a foundation for exploring communication approaches and techniques. Social and cultural issues related to communication are considered. 

How to register for this course

SBSF 6000 / 6001, Graduate Writing (4 cr.)

This course is designed to improve the writing skills of two groups of students: those whose course faculty have recommended they enroll in a writing skills course and those who wish to improve their writing to enhance their ability to succeed in Walden’s writing-intensive courses and KAMs. Course readings, activities, and assignments provide models to help students create their own writing processes, teaching them how to generate ideas, give those ideas initial shape in essay drafts, revise drafts based on faculty and colleague feedback, and edit and proofread final drafts. Establishing these individual processes will hone the analytical and writing skills necessary to perform at a graduate level and give the student and faculty opportunities to assess and strengthen the student’s proficiency level. Major projects include summary, rhetorical analysis, research, and self-reflection essays and peer review of these essays.

How to register for this course

SBSF 6100/6105 A Practical Course in APA Style (2 sem. cr./2 qtr. cr.)

This four-week course focuses on the most relevant aspects of scholarly writing as presented in the fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Instruction and practice is provided in references and citations, reducing bias in language, headings, lists, statistical and mathematical copy, italics and capitalization, numbers style, and table and figure formatting. The course is designed to help prepare students for successful writing experiences in coursework, KAMs, and capstone projects. This course focuses on grammar only in regard to APA style nuances. Similarly, while statistics and presentation of research findings are covered in the APA Manual, this course does not offer instruction in the presentation of advanced research nor is it a course in research methods. Weekly assignments are based on the required text, Mastering APA Style: Student's Workbook and Training Guide.

How to register for this course

SBSF 6101/6107 Critical Thinking and Logic (4 cr.)

This course focuses on the skills students need to read critically and think about complex issues, evaluate the validity of arguments, and construct reasoned arguments with logical conclusions. Students learn techniques for assessing ideas presented in written materials to help readers judge the strengths and weaknesses of other communicators’ arguments. Students learn to develop logically sound, evidence-based arguments to support their ideas and views in their studies and work. Finally, the course offers additional ways for students to bolster their critical-thinking skills by considering succinct writing, logical reasoning, and moral and ethical values.

How to register for this course

SBSF 6103/6104 Communications and Teamwork in a Global Society (3 sem. cr./4 qtr. cr.)

This course provides the information and sensibilities a person needs to work effectively in teams, to collaborate with others, and to function effectively in a diverse, global environment. It also focuses on the different communication styles of individuals, the dynamics of teams, and understanding basic issues and practices in cross-cultural communication and cooperation. As communities and workplaces continue to diversify and globalize, respecting differences, understanding how others think, and understanding how to communicate and work effectively with people who are different from yourself are essential skills for success.

How to register for this course

SBSF 6150/6151 Graduate Writing for Non-Native English Speakers (3 sem. cr./4 qtr. cr.)

This course is designed to improve the academic writing skills of graduate students whose first language is not English. Course readings, activities, and assignments provide models to help students master academic style and create their own writing processes, revise drafts based on instructor and classmate feedback, and edit and proofread final drafts. Establishing these individual processes will hone the analytical and writing skills students need to perform at a graduate level. Major projects include summaries, analyses of academic writing, research, and self-reflection essays, as well as peer reviews. (Previously listed as SBSF 6150 Graduate Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English.)

How to register for this course

SBSF 7100 Research Forum (6 cr.)

Under the guidance of their faculty mentors, students pursue scholarly research associated with Knowledge Area Modules (KAMs). They learn to work independently as scholars and develop a variety of important skills. For example, they learn to gather information such as research findings and theories from library databases and Web-based resources. They develop critical-thinking skills, learn to ask the right questions, learn the latest about their professional practice, and apply their newly acquired knowledge to real-world problems for the benefit of others. (Previously listed as SBSF 7100 Continuing Research.)

How to register for this course

SBSF 7250/7251 Writing a Literature Review (3 sem. cr./4 qtr. cr.)

The purpose of this course is to help students write a well-structured, soundly presented critical literature review. The course covers topic selection, research analysis, and writing, editing, and proofreading strategies. Upon completing the course, students will have produced a literature review using a minimum of 15 self-selected research articles. This course is appropriate for master’s and doctoral students who are writing course papers, theses, or dissertations.

How to register for this course

Writing Tutorial for Teachers and Students
Although obviously not a credit course, one of the best resources on the Web that we’ve found was created by a Walden faculty member, Dr. Leslie Bowman. Her “Writing Tutorial for Teachers and Students in Middle & High School Through College & Grad School” is a lesson-by-lesson independent study tutorial that takes you through the entire writing process from  start to finish. We highly recommend it no matter what level your writing.

Leslie Bowman’s Tutorial

Better Writing in Six Weeks by Stephen Wilbers, PhD

Steve Wilbers is a University of Minnesota writing instructor and consultant, whose weekly column has appeared for years in the StarTribune. This low-cost course (plead student status) offers ambitious results, so you might want to give it a try.

Stephen Wilbers's Writing Course

How to Register for Writing Courses

Students who can register themselves via their PSP can follow these instructions: How to Register. You can register for online courses via your Personal Start Page:
• Once you log in, go to the "Courses" tab then "Search for a Course."
• Select the semester when you want to register, and enter SBSF as the keyword.
• Keep the default "Course Code and Title Only."
• Click on "Search."
• Then, click on "Register" next to the specific course.   

Students who do not register themselves via their PSP will need to send your request to their academic advising team.   

Students who are not yet in a program or have just been validated and want a course can send an email with your request to nondegree@waldenu.edu, and Walden staff will get you a request form.   Note that course fees for KAM students for these courses have already been paid by your tuition.