The best aspects of this course included the broad range of topics that were covered in the small class, as well as the engaging seminar discussions. The worst aspect of the course was the professor’s constant deviation from the syl abus. The course lacked structure because of the ever-changing assignments and time mismanagement on the professor’s end. The course would improve if the professor had a clearer and more definite syl abus which students could fol ow. Prospective students should know that this course is somewhat writing and reading intensive, but wil give students great insight into the U.S education system.

Students believed that the best aspects of this course included learning how to operate useful computer programs and learning lots of practical knowledge. Students thought that they had a good understanding of the programs by the time the semester was over. Most students thought that the homework assignments were excessive and unclear. Suggestions for improvement included scheduling an additional class each week to cover more materials and providing more detailed instructions for the different assignments. Prospective students should be prepared for a heavy workload outside of the classroom. Students should feel comfortable with computer programming and have some working knowledge of statistics.

Students praised this course for teaching them how to use various tools and programs integral to conducting research. Perceived issues with the course included a belief that the course had a number of 295assignments that took considerable time to complete, in part, because of a lack of detailed instructions. Suggestions to improve the course varied; multiple students requested clearer instructions on how to complete assignments while other students wanted the instructor to slow down instruction in order to make sure students understood the information that was being presented. Prospective students should know that students found the course didn’t require them to have a background in statistics and that students thought the course required a fair investment of time and effort. Students did find that completing the course rewarded them with a better understanding of social issues and how to manipulate Excel.

Students praised this course for giving them hands-on experience working with a variety of computer programs used in research. Perceived issues with the course varied. Multiple students thought that the course had time consuming and tedious work. Others students expressed that they thought the readings weren’t incorporated into the course’s lectures. Suggestions for improvement included a desire by multiple students that the optional assigned reading be better incorporated into the course. Prospective students should know that students found that the course taught them a great deal about how to use a variety of computer programs. Students also noted that the course didn’t expect them to have any background in statistics or to be familiar with the computer programs used in the course.

The best aspect of the course was the useful computer skil s students learned. The worst aspect of the course was the slow pace. There was an equal amount of time spent on both the difficult and easy concepts which took away from the time that could have been spent on just the difficult concepts. The course would improve if the pace of the class could go faster and if there was more time to spend on the more difficult topics like STATA. Prospective students don’t need to have previous experience to take the course, and will learn about Excel, Access, and other software.

This course offers a hands-on learning style, as well as incredibly detailed homework assignment instructions. The descriptions told students step-by-step what to do and they found this helpful. Many students agreed that they learned how to use software relevant to social sciences. However, the software programs at times became tedious and complicated for students. It was suggested that the course include an even distribution of work load throughout the semester, and that the university provide the software for students’ personal computers. Prospective students should know that the assignments are time consuming, so they should not procrastinate.

The best aspect of the course for students was the helpful and encouraging instructor. Students successfully learned technologies and skills that were applied to a research project of choice. Many students felt the computer programs were confusing and the coursework was overwhelming at times. Suggested improvements include providing the students with access to programs on personal laptops, decreasing the number of assignments, and opening class time to discussion. Prospective students are encouraged to keep up with assignments and be prepared for a heavier workload. Students interested in the social sciences will receive valuable instruction pertaining to research methods.