Weekly Reading Response Papers: Beginning on 9/9 (and continuing through 11/4), you will be required to submit reflections on 20 of the readings assigned from 9/9 through 11/4. Response papers should offer a critical (rather than merely didactic) perspective on communication concepts, theories, and research. Thus, analyses offering mere clarification or definition would not be appropriate. The goal here is to achieve reflections that will elicit thoughtful and (we hope) provocative discussion of the concepts and theoretical assumptions presented in the readings.Equally important, however, is that these questions should stimulate your own thinking by documenting your "conversation" with the readings and their authors. These analyses consist of three components: (1) a brief critical analysis of the article; (2) an application of the article to everyday practice; and (3) an extension of the article or a connection with other readings previously covered. Roughly one paragraph should be devoted to each component. Papers should be typed, double spaced, approximately one page in length for each article examined. Over the course, each student is responsible for completing 20 reading reflection responses.
You are not permitted to complete a reflective analysis on the articles assigned to you for the article critique assignment (see below). Each response (one per article) will be evaluated on a credit/no credit basis (CR/NC). Students will receive 1/2% for each response assigned a "credit" grade to a maximum of 20 credit responses (or 10% toward the final course grade).
Periodic Online Assignments: Several mini-assignments will be assigned online. If you do not already have a university computer account, you will need to obtain one as soon as possible. We will be using e-mail to complete these mini-assignments and to engage in other interactions related to the course. Online assignments are worth 5% of your course grade. Additional information will follow.
Article Critique Papers and Oral Reports: Each student is responsible for critiquing two articles from the textbook. The article critiques will be presented in a brief (3-5 page, typed, double spaced) paper and in a brief in-class oral report. These papers require in-depth critique and analysis. Although particular students will be assigned to specific articles for each week, all students are responsible for reading the assigned readings and students are required to submit reading reflection responses on the assigned readings (as noted above). A more detailed handout on this assignment will follow. Papers are due the night of the oral report. Each article critique paper and oral report is worth 20% of the course grade (40% total).
Interpersonal Communication Concept/Theory/Theorist Paper and Oral Report: Over the course, and in your reading and research, we will cover numerous interpersonal theories, concepts, and theorists. You will focus on ONE concept, theory, or theorist from interpersonal communication. The purpose of the assignment is to reflect on the material covered and to advance your own position on a topic of interest to you. For example, you might focus on the interpersonal communication concept or theory you have found to be most useful, most interesting, or most valid or the line of research you have found to be most heuristic, or most overrated, or the theorist you believe to have been most influential, etc. Given the range of possibilities for the assignment, each student's approach will vary (individual guidance will be provided to students as necessary). Regardless of which angle taken, you will need to provide a foundation outlining the concept or theory (or a summary of the theorist's major works), argue for the position you have selected, and justify your position. Requirements for all students for the assignment include the completion of a 3-5 page typed double spaced paper on the topic selected and a brief oral report to be presented in an informal class discussion (both due on 12/2/96). This assignment constitutes 15% of your course grade.
Individual Paper on Interpersonal Communication: You are required to complete a 10-12 page paper (plus references) on an interpersonal communication topic of your choice. Topics must be approved by 10/28. Final papers are due by 12/9 and are worth 30% of the course grade.
N.B.: For all written assignments, students must use the American Psychological Association (APA) style manual fourth edition for documenting references. All papers should have 1" to 1-1/2" margins and should be typewritten and double-spaced. ALL DEADLINES AND ALL PAGE LIMITS ON ASSIGNMENTS NOTED ABOVE ARE FIRM; no late papers will be accepted except in the most extreme circumstances (see policy statement below on completion of assignments and late submissions).
The plus/minus system will be used with the following weights given:
|
Reading Responses (20 Required) | 10% |
| Online Assignments | 5% |
No make-ups or extensions will be permitted in any but the most extreme cases. Changes in work schedules, personal celebrations (e.g., birthdays, weddings, etc.), transportation problems, etc., are NOT considered to be legitimate reasons for missing assignment deadlines. Personal illnesses or emergencies must be verified by written documentation.