Communication Strategies

Final Paper Assignments (300 pts; two parts: 100 pts and 250 pts).

Each student is required to write a final research paper on a selected theory that addresses a primary thematic issue of the course. There are two parts to this assignment.

Working Title, Abstract & Bibliography (100 pts). The title should have the name of the primary theory and some indication of its application. The abstract should be 150-250 words and a) briefly explain the theory, in 2-3 sentences, b) explain how you will use it for analysis and/or why it is useful, and then c) describe the “case” you will be analyzing. The bibliography should list primary sources (which means the originators of the concepts associated with the theory) and secondary sources (peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters). “Tertiary” sources (newspapers, magazines, non-scholarly websites, etc) that elaborate the case should also be listed. 10-15 sources in APA style.

Final highly polished professional research paper (250 pts). Follow these guidelines exactly. See the Evaluation of Research Reporting for criteria used for the final paper.
1) A separate title page following the sample provided;
2) An introduction that is an adaptation of the abstract (do not paste in the abstract) and that a) grabs the attention of the reader by asking a question, or making reference to some significant event, b) specifies the significance of the research in terms of its communication problematic, and c) provides a detailed preview of the body of paper.
3) The body of the paper which includes three distinct sections:
a) a detailed explanation of the theory, its conceptual framework (the ‘what’), its progenitors (those who have conceived and elaborated it), why it is useful in itself as an explanatory model of communication phenomena; do NOT discuss your particular subject of analysis in this section;
b) how you will use the theory to do the analysis; explain the methodological import of the theory, but do NOT do the actual analysis yet(!), just mention the case you are focusing on as a brief example; and
c) use the theory/method to conduct an in-depth analysis of the particular case. The analysis itself should follow this format:
i. description of the issue/case on its own terms (here you may draw on non-scholarly sources);
ii. reduction or elaboration of the primary themes of the case/issue and how the primary concepts of theory help in understanding these themes;
iii. interpretation of case/issue in light of the theory
4) The conclusion of the paper, which should a) provide a brief summary of what you have learned about the theory; b) how it has been useful in understanding the issue you addressing; and c) how it can inform future research.
5) The references, a full bibliography using APA style. Be sure to paginate the paper.

The paper should be 10-12 pages, double spaced, in times roman 12 pt font, one inch margins all around. Be sure to have a friend or editor or someone other than you read and edit/comment on your paper prior to submission. Use the writing lab resources on campus if you are nearby. I want polished professional work, which means writing and rewriting, editing, then giving it to someone else to edit, then doing a final copy.