Course Syllabus
Graduate Seminar
VIT_ENOL 591
Spring 2026
Number of Credit Hours | 1 Credit Hour
Prerequisites | Course typically taken during student's final semester
Course Details
Day and Time: [tbd]
Meeting Location: [tbd]
Instructor Contact Information
Dr. Jean Dodson Peterson
Department of Viticulture and Enology
Ste. Michelle WSU Wine Science Center
Office Number 248E
359 University Drive
Richland, WA 99354
(509) 372 7518
Course Description
Graduate Seminar (1 credit). The student delivers their exit seminar during the departmental VIT_ENOL 590 seminar series. Course cannot be taken simultaneously with VIT_ENOL 590. This course is typically taken during the student’s final semester. Graded.
Course Materials
Current topics articles and journal publications assigned as appropriate by student’s graduate committee chair.
|
Course Learning Outcomes (students will be able to:) |
Activities Supporting/Assessment of the Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| CLO 1. Critically evaluate and synthesize current scientific literature and research developments in viticulture and enology as it relates to the student’s research. | Seminar Presentation of Research |
| CLO 2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate complex research topics effectively through well-organized, clear and engaging seminar presentations suited to both academic and industry audiences. | Seminar Presentation of Research |
| CLO 3. Assess the implications of research findings in viticulture and enology, using critical thinking to formulate well-supported opinions and suggestions during seminar discussions. |
Seminar Presentation of Research |
| Dates | Lesson Topic | Assignment/Assessment |
|---|---|---|
|
Week 1 - 15 |
Seminar topics will vary based on the number of graduate students presenting research and revolving topics in the VIT_ENOL 590 seminar course. |
Graduate Research Presentation (CLO1, CLO2, CLO3) |
Expectations for Student Effort
Policies and expectations for this course have been created such that a productive and welcoming course community exists for all students and guests. If at any time, you have concerns, please bring them to the instructor’s attention. Everyone is responsible for creating a positive learning environment. Please refrain from conducting yourself in a manner that is disruptive to teaching or learning.
WSU email is considered the official form of communication and emails from non-university accounts will not be answered. Relevant course information will periodically be sent to the entire class via official university email addresses. Please be sure to check your inbox on a regular basis. Announcements will be made at the beginning of lecture periods and through the course learning management site. It is the responsibility of the student to stay up-to-date on all course materials, announcements and schedule changes.
Grading [add more lines if necessary]
| Type of Assignment (tests, papers, etc) | Points | Percent of Overall Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Presentation of Research | 150 | 50% |
| Participation | 150 | 50% |
| Grade | Percent | Grade | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| A |
≥93.0 |
C | 73.0 – 76.9 |
| A- | 90.0 – 92.9 | C- | 70.0 – 72.9 |
| B+ | 87.0 – 89.9 | D+ | 67.0 – 69.9 |
| B | 83.0 – 86.9 | D | 60.0 – 66.9 |
| B- | 80.0 – 82.9 | F | ≤59.9 |
| C+ | 77.0 – 79.9 |
PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH. For the Presentation of Research assignment, students will prepare and deliver a 30-minute seminar presentation on their graduate research within the field of viticulture and enology. This assignment, worth 150 points, is designed to evaluate students’ skills in three key areas: research analysis and synthesis, presentation delivery, and engagement in scholarly dialogue. Students will be assessed on their ability to analyze and synthesize recent research related to their topic, worth 50 points. This includes highlighting key trends, methodologies, results, and practical applications of the research, and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the subject matter. Presentations should clearly articulate the implications of the research findings for the field. Students will also be assessed on the effectiveness of the presentation delivery, also worth 50 points. Students should use visual aids effectively, maintain a professional demeanor, and ensure their presentation is well-structured and accessible to both academic and industry audiences. Clear communication and engaging presentation skills are crucial. Finally, students will also be evaluated on their ability to engage in scholarly and professional dialogue, which accounts for the remaining 50 points. During the Q&A session, students should respond thoughtfully to questions and feedback, demonstrating their capacity to critically evaluate and discuss research findings. Effective and insightful responses that enhance understanding are expected.
PARTICIPATION. Participation is worth 150 total points, 10 points per week of the semester. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions, offering thoughtful contributions that demonstrate their understanding of the seminar topics.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Attendance and active participation at each seminar session is mandatory for all students enrolled. Students are expected to thoughtfully engage with invited speakers when appropriate. Late submissions for reflections, the critique and the report will not be accepted.
Academic Integrity Statement
Academic integrity is the cornerstone of higher education. As such, all members of the university community share responsibility for maintaining and promoting the principles of integrity in all activities, including academic integrity and honest scholarship. Academic integrity will be strongly enforced in this course. Students who violate WSU’s Academic Integrity Policy (identified in Washington Administrative Code WAC 504-26-010 (4) will receive [insert academic sanction (e.g., fail the course, fail the assignment, etc.)], will not have the option to withdraw from the course pending an appeal, and will be reported to the Center for Community Standards. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism and unauthorized collaboration as defined in the Standards of Conduct for Students, WAC 504-26-010 (3). You need to read and understand all of the definitions of cheating. If you have any questions about what is and is not allowed in this course, you should ask course instructors before proceeding. If you wish to appeal a faculty member's decision relating to academic integrity, please use this form. Make sure you submit your appeal within 21 calendar days of the faculty member's decision.