Reference no: EM133208296
Assignment - Communications Question
Theoretical Review Papers - The major writing assignments are theoretical review papers. Written guidelines will be provided in Canvas.
Initially, form a research question specific to the communication discipline (e.g., What is the relationship between culture, communication style, and preventative health practices? What are effects of the media on sports culture? What is the relationship between intrapersonal communication and motivation?). Based on the theories we will learn in this course, you will research, evaluate, and synthesize peer-reviewed articles from academic journals. The FIU Library has access to a large data base of academic journals pertaining to communication research and theories. This is where you should search for the articles you will use for the theoretical review papers that you will write in this course.
Each paper must be written and cited in APA style. Each Theoretical Review should be between 4-5 pages long. In your paper, you will need to address the following questions.
-What research questions were the authors attempting to answer?
-What did they find?
-What unique information is set forth?
-What consistent information is set forth?
-What arguments/reading portions connect with the theory you are researching and writing about?
In this Gordon Rule with Writing (GRW) course, you will complete theoretical review papers. These writing assignments will help you to sharpen your research skills, analyze and apply communication theory to everyday life, and demonstrate college-level writing skills.
The Theoretical Review Paper assignment asks you to write an objective analysis of a topic through the lens of a specific theory or theoretical framework that we are studying in this Communication Theory course. You will need to support your analysis with evidence from peer-reviewed sources. You are able to choose the theory and communication topic for your analysis.
Please read through the assignment instructions and take time to read through the components of this module on Theoretical Review Paper Guidelines. This module will help you to successfully complete the Theoretical Review Paper assignments.
Objectives - This assignment asks you to:
1. Explain the essential features of a major communication theory.
2. Evaluate the essential features of a major communication theory.
3. Apply communication theory to everyday life.
4. Identify and articulate a significant issue or problem within a communication context.
5. Synthesize theory and evidence from peer-reviewed academic sources to write coherent papers.
Assignment Process -
1. Select a Theory and a Topic
You will select a theory from this course by reviewing those listed on the course syllabus. Then, you should think of an example of a communication behavior that you have experienced in everyday life. It could be an experience with family members, friends, a work colleagues, or something you have seen in news media reports. You will use the theory of your choice to examine your topic in your Theoretical Review Paper. Consider which communication context you are focusing on in your paper (intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organizational, cultural, public, or mass communication).
2. Research
Research your theory and topic through the FIU Library databases. The course textbook counts as one source, and you will need a minimum of two more sources that are peer-reviewed academic journal articles. This constitutes a total of three sources that you must cite in APA style. Details on secondary research, APA style citations, and formatting are available in the module on Theoretical Review Paper Guidelines.
3. Organize Paper According to Themes
Organize your paper with two main sections: (1) Problem Statement and Research Question; and (2) Review of Literature.
Problem Statement and Research Question (approximately 3/4 of a page)
In the Problem Statement section, explain your topic precisely. Explain the significance of the topic, how much of an effect the topic/issue has on society and individuals. Help your reader to understand why it is a worthy topic.
After explaining the issue, form a research question specific to communication.
Examples of research questions:
In what ways does symbolic interactionism affect intrapersonal communication to help college students self-esteem?
How might Expectancy Violations Theory help women to understand cross-cultural dating practices?
Remember that you will select a theory to analyze your topic and research questions.
Review of Literature/theoretical review (approximately 4 pages)
In the Review of Literature section of your paper, you will write about what your secondary sources explain about your selected theory. You'll write a thorough review and synthesis (not just a description) of the sources, with some discussion of how it connects with the topic of your problem statement. How does the theory help to explain what has occured in the communication experience of your topic? What are the implications of the theory in understanding the communication behavior? The Review of Literature section should be organized according to themes, with several subsections and subheadings. Be sure to write a solid conclusion to summarize your analysis of the theory as it applies to your topic.
Examples of organization and formatting of the Review of Literature section are available in this module on Theoretical Review Paper Guidelines.
Examples of paper topics and sample papers are available in this module on Theoretical Review Paper Guidelines.