Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:
Research/Reflection Paper – The major writing assignment of the semester asks you to critically reflect on what you have learned about communication in organizations. This paper should be 6-8 full pages in length, typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, with 1” margins and must use APA style and citation guidelines. The paper should have a properly formatted cover page and references (no abstract is needed). The project must utilize a minimum of 5 outside references (only 1 of which can be a web site; you can use more web sites, but they do not count toward the minimum of five). You can reference the textbook and/or articles from the references at the end of each chapter. In addition, you will want to look in academic communication journals to find concepts and arguments that further your analysis. You can find these journals by accessing Communication and Mass Media Index on the UNM Library’s database website. You may also find the website “Google Scholar” a useful starting place. Your sources should relate to communication in some way. Some good journals to look at include: Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, Western Journal of Communication, Communication Theory, Critical and Cultural Studies, Text and Performance Quarterly, Critical Studies in Media Communication, Discourse & Society, etc. Your options are certainly not limited to these journals. Wikipedia is not a credible source and should not be used in your paper. You can always get help finding journals and articles from the online librarians at the UNM libraries homepage. This assignment is worth 100 points.
You will choose three of the case studies at the end of the chapters of your text. The only chapters you may NOT use are Chapter One and Chapter Fourteen. I would recommend choosing case studies from the chapters you enjoyed most. You should analyze the cases first and then do your research, looking for articles that deal with the pertinent topics from those chapters that also relate to the cases. Your goal is to assess the problems involved in each case, make recommendations based on your assessment, find research that supports both your assessment and your recommendations, and make original arguments that display the knowledge you have gained throughout the semester.
Grading Criteria for Paper The paper is graded on the following criteria: (a) grammar/spelling (b) organization/structure, (c) accuracy, (d) originality of arguments/analysis, (e) depth of critical thinking, (f) quality of arguments—using course concepts and research to support opinions, and (g) following instructions. I also want to emphasize a couple of other points: • I have high standards for excellent work. To receive an excellent grade you will need to work hard and do excellent work. Hard work is necessary, but not sufficient to receive high grades. Remember that excellence means going above and beyond minimum effort (this does not apply to page limits—those must be met).
• I will provide detailed feedback about your performance.
