/ Last updated 4/26/22

-Shortcut to Course Calendar [or just scroll down]   week13

Shortcut to PRE-TEST PROJECT: Asking The Right Question(s)

Shortcut to AOC worksheet [also linked to week 2]

Shortcut to the LitReview/Annotated Biblio assignment

Shortcut to Grading worksheet for:R-o-L / Lit Rev [= annotated biblio  / also linked to L.R. assignment page]

Shortcut to Thesis Paper Presentation Schedule

Shortcut to List of Linked Articles [items to be added as relevant] [or just scroll down to table  below calendar]

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   -"This is a capstone course in Communication Studies that encompasses the history, theory and philosophy of communication while focusing on the research literature on the field and providing students with the opportunity to conduct original research in the area of Communication Studies."

Satisfying "Proficiencies": This is a Seton Hall University Reading/Writing-intensive course therefore it will include a significant amount of formal and informal writing, several hours of academic and professional reading per week, all contributing to at least one-third of the total course grade. / In reference to Information Fluency,  all class activities & presentation assignments are designed to enhance the students abilities to find, analyze, and incorporate information as well as develop their own research processes and strategies.

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COURSE GOALS:

Updated re: COAR curriculum

    1. to provide a pragmatic understanding of the research literature in Communication Studies

    2. to reinforce  proficiency in the tools and techniques of communication research within the humanistic tradition

    3. to provide a structured & guided opportunity to conduct original research and present findings using scholarly formats

    4.  to provide a forum for discussion and analysis of contemporary issues in communication investigative practice

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COURSE OBJECTIVES: [CLOs]

    1. Students will be able to recognize and apply specific research methodologies to appropriate investigative paradigms. 

    2. Students will synthesize and apply their previously studied Communication theories and principles to assessing research validity.

    3. Students will be able to generate a researchable topic relevant to their own academic and/or professional needs.

    4. Students will be able to design and carry out an original investigation.

                    5. Students will be able to write a formal thesis paper according to the current A.P.A. publication manual.

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TEXTBOOK:

The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project,  4th ed . Zina O’Leary   

- The Student Resource site is accessible at the publisher's website: Sagepub.com.  You will need to set up a free account with Sage.  Some items will be specifically assigned.  OLeary-Essential Guide...Student Study Site   

 

ISBN: 9781529713466	Paperback
ISBN: 9781529756548	Electronic Version

O′Leary, Z. (2021). The Essential Guide to Doing Your Research Project (4th Edition). SAGE       

Additional reading materials will be made available via professor's online webpage, Blackboard, and/or eReserves.

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1.    Understanding, Analysis, and Application of the material covered in the text and/or lecture notes

2.   Regular attendance and participation in class  & activities

     {Due to the participatory, seminar-based nature of this course, it is necessary to attend each session.  In addition to the quality of the Senior Thesis paper , Attendance, Punctuality, and Classroom Engagement all are considered during the final tabulation of the semester grade. Only absences which are accompanied by doctor notes, university letters, or similar documentation will be considered "excused". Also, if you are present in the room, but otherwise distracted or disengaged, classwork points will be deducted.}

3. Written Assessments  (1-2  in-class Tests / 3 online quizzes)

4. Completion of a major Research Paper. Incremental steps include a Literature Review , a Research Proposal Plan and 2-3 Oral Presentations based on the written projects. click these links  or scroll to end for brief overviews.  The full assignment pages are linked  below within the Course Calendar & also via shortcuts located on Professor's main webpage.

5. Of course,  there is a no-electronic-distractions policy for this class. This includes no-cell-phone-usage/ no-audible-pagers-or-alarms / etc. For in-person sessions, laptops will be used in class on a case-by-case basis.  

  6. Video/Camera-on Policies:  Throughout the semester, you regularly will  be expected to have your camera enabled (for instances of speaking as well as listening). Please be prepared by either ensuring your environment is visually appropriate or by learning how to enable virtual backgrounds in MS Teams.

7. Submission of assignments: Whenever possible, for shorter assignments,  drop-off slots will be created in Blackboard. Longer drafts which require substantial review and annotated feedback should be completed as a Word .docx and should be submitted as an email attachment.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

*The following excerpt is taken from the posted policies for the College of Communication & the Arts: .

"Cheating and plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated in any Communication and the Arts course and will be dealt with severely. Cheating on any test, paper, or other project will, at the discretion of the instructor, result in failure for that assignment, no-credit [ zero] for that assignment, failure for the course, and/or further disciplinary action at the program, College, and/or University levels. Such further action may include expulsion from the College of Communication and the Arts after review. 

The College of Communication and the Arts' policy defines academic dishonesty as including, "but not limited to, cheating on tests and other course assignments and providing or receiving information without acknowledging the source. Cheating by plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, copying of text or research assignments, using another person's papers, research or assignments without citation, and representing work as the student's own, which is, in actuality, another's work."

Web material which is not fully credited is considered plagiarized. 

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 Statement on Students with Disabilities

It is the policy and practice of Seton Hall University to promote inclusive learning environments. If you have a documented disability (physical, medical, learning or psychiatric—either temporary or permanent)  you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations in compliance with University policy, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and/or the New Jersey Law against Discrimination. Please note, students are not permitted to negotiate accommodations directly with professors. To request accommodations or assistance, please self-identify with the Office for Disability Support Services (DSS) at the beginning of the semester to provide appropriate documentation and collaborate with the development of an accommodation plan. For more information or to register for services, contact DSS at (973) 313-6003 or by e-mail at DSS@shu.edu or refer to website: https://www.shu.edu/disability-support-services

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Also refer to the additional relevant documents linked in the frame at the left of Professor's main webpage:

(concerning plagiarism*, grading criteria, disabilities policy, commonly used abbreviations; preliminary source citations style sheet; etc.)  

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COURSE CALENDAR {subject to change via updates to this online version; stay tuned!}

1. The following calendar grid lists the dates of the units of study and the accompanying readings & links to certain assignments.  Additional written assignments, oral activities, worksheets, computer projects, etc. WILL  be added HERE on AN ONGOING basis.   The default location for these information pages will be via the professor's webpage (not Blackboard).

2. This is a seminar, therefore classroom time will be primarily devoted to the clarification, exploration, and discussion of the issues generated by the readings and students' research. In other words, class sessions will be based on your readings and research, but will not simply "rehash" the same exact material in a verbatim manner. You can be better prepared for the classroom activities & discussions if you keep up on your readings.

It is the student's responsibility to be prepared for class by anticipating the units and discussion assignments. NB:  Some updates and specifications also may be distributed via e-mail and/or Professor's  web page.  

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 ► Overview:  Tests / Quizzes / Content 

    Two in-class tests are scheduled[ a 3/4 term & (for some) a Final & there will be 3-4 quizzes placed in Blackboard. They will be designed to test your knowledge of the information in the textbook as well as topics discussed in class. Approximately one week before each major test, a study sheet will be linked  above -- summarizing the chapters to be covered. For the online quizzes, the chapters/material to be studied will be mentioned in the announcement you will see when you log in to "Piratenet."

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 ► Overview:  Literature Review "The Review-Of-the-Literature" Written & Oral Components          

Oral  = due 2/14/22  (presentation  slots tbd)_ ///  Written   format to-be -confirmed - due via Word doc as an email attachment -  no later than Fri, 2/18/22

        For this early task, you are completing a preliminary Review-Of-the-Literature. This is a ten source, annotated bibliography for a narrowly defined area of communication research which pertains to your chosen research interest area. Also, you will give a brief oral presentation highlighting your findings so far. Please note this is not the same entity which is also called the "Literature Review" which is an actual component within the finished research paper.   click to go to the  Literature Review information sheet

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► Overview:  Research Proposal   Written & Oral Components

     Written  =  you should have a Draft version ready for conference with Professor)( final proposal document due day of oral presentation =3/16/22  //  Oral  =  12:30pm | written  = same - earlier is better

 This is a one to three page document in which you present a research question/or/ hypothesis and explain your planned investigative method. Your overall research goal is to contribute (incrementally) to the area of research presented in your literature review. click to go to Proposal information sheet

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 ► Overview:  Research Paper     Written & Oral Components  

        Draft #1(1st Submitted version):  Due dates:  Written Component = _4/27/22 [addt'l dates negotiable]_  / Oral Component =5/2-through- 5/9__

         FINAL  Draft:  Written  Component  ( revised version) = no later than exam session ( 5/16/22) / earlier submission encouraged __

        For this course, you will be Investigating (i.e. conducting original research), composing and presenting a _15-20 pp. (minimum)_scholarly paper. At the end of the semester, you will be reporting on your findings in an oral presentation in which you summarize how you conducted your study and what you found and the implications for future research. click to go to Thesis Paper information sheet   Also see Project-Timeline Schematic  & Professor's overall & Proficiency Grading Criteria & "Summary: Departmental 'Senior Seminar Grading Criteria'"

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 ► Additional Homework / Classwork Requirements (attendance| participation | abstracts| Chapter presentations | Group Projects | A-O-C | Interim presentations|  W-I-W, etc)  

        In addition to your performance on specific assignments, you will earn a grade for general class participation. The grading factors for classwork & participation include evaluation of the completion of homework assignments & worksheets, completion of online quizzes, and active contributions to classroom discussion and exercises [including moderating chapter discussions]. All of this helps support your course grade even if you are not a perfect writer.

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Recommended supplemental text = Investigating Communication: An Introduction to Research Methods, 2nd ed.(2000)  - Lawrence Frey, Carl H. Botan, & Gary L. Kreps.  Boston: Allyn and Bacon  selected excerpts available via eReserves

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Tentative: Extra Credit: Critique of a research presentation  (e.g. New Jersey Communication conference) - details tbd: ASK!

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to accompany  Projects on content/conversation/discourse analysis:
Merrigan 3rd edition: Chaps 8  &  12
Merrigan 4th edition : Chaps 8 & 10 & 14

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Summary of Linked Articles

A-O-C appts   all = via Teams

On Weds 2/2/22:

        12:30 - 12:40 [10]  _________Declan Healy_____________________________ _  = during class time

          12:45 - 12:55 [10]  ________ Alex LaRocca____________________________ _  = during class time

           1:00 - 1:10 [10]  __________Christina Georgatos ______________________ _    = during class time

           1:15 - 1:25 [10]  __________Eden Dolezal______________________________ _   = during class time

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           1:30 - 1:40  [10] ___________Jack Chinery_______________________________ = during class time

           1:45 - 1:55  [10] ___________Marisa DiFonso_____________________________ 

          2:00 - 2:10   [10] __________Sebastian Pena______________________________

On  Fri 2/4/22:

    1:45 -  1:55  [10] ___________________________________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

    2:45 -  2:55  [10] __________________________________________________

    - - - - - - - - - - - -  

    3:00 - 3:10  [10]  _______________Ben Graziano>2/6@4:15_______________

     3:15 - 3:25  [10]  ______________Andrew Czermak>@2:45_______________

On Mon  2/7/22:

    11:15 - 11:25 [10]  ____________Kyle Wilson___________________________

11:30 - 11:40  [10] _ __________________________________________________

  11:45 - 11:55  [10]  __________________________________________________

On Weds   2/9/22:

    8:30-8:40   [10] ____________Natalia Rosario>2/11@11_______________________________

- - - - - - - - - - - -  

   11:30 - 11:40  [10] ______________________________________________________

On Thurs 2/11:

     10:00 - 10:10 [10]_______________________________________________

    10:15 - 10:25 [10] ________________________________________________

     10:30 - 10:40 [10] ____________________________________________________________

     10:45 - 10:55  [10] __________________________________________________

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 Pre-Proposal appts [ h.c. submission+presentation  date = 3/16/22] all = via Teams  SECTION NAMES& DATES  BEing UPDATED. Sign in via list pinned in Teams

Pre-proposal appts  [via Teams] submission-&-presentation date = 3/16/22]

You should come prepared with: 

(1) any questions you have for your professor about any Feedback received on your R-O-L/Anno Biblio AND the details of the research proposal written submission [Oral + Final written version both  due on 3/16/22.]  In preparation, be sure to carefully read the Proposal Assignment Page  click link ; Also follow the guidelines in Chapter 5 as well as the Sagepub.com support site (Crafting a Research Proposal : author’s lecture)  ( Crafting a Research proposal: weblinks ) 

(2) a clearly phrased RQ/Hypo  + 1 page writing sample -  preferably emailed in advance

(3) your decision on your planned methodology & an explanation on how it corresponds to your project's philosophical PARADIGM [D/C/I].  Please be aware that your oral presentation of your research proposal will be delivered via a small group format and you will be expected to explain the details of how you will carry out your methodology  . The HARD COPY submission of your proposal will be due on the same day as the oral presentation.

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 Pre-Draft Submission appts all = via Teams  SECTION NAMES& DATES  BEing UPDATED. Sign in via list pinned in Teams

On  Weds 4/13/22:  

              "Drop in"  Office Hours overlapping the online Midterm window  12:30-2:30  Call via Teams [first come first served}

On  Tues  4/19/22: 2  * I might need to reschedule due to meetings &/or advising appts

11:00 – 11:15  [15] ________________________________________  

11:20 – 11:35  [15] ________________________________________  

On  Weds  4/20/22:13  * I might need to reschedule due to meetings &/or advising appts

8:30 – 8:45  [15] ________________________________________ 

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11:10 – 11:25  [15] __________Andrew________________________ 

--------------------------------------------------(advising appt)----------------

11:50 – 12:05  [15] ________________________________________ 

12:10 – 12:25  [15] ____________Ben__________________________ 

12:30 – 12:45  [15] ________________________________________ * during classtime 

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12:55 – 1:10  [15] ___________Alex_____________________________  * during classtime 

1:15 – 1:30  [15] ____________Marisa_____________________________   * during classtime 

1:35 – 1:50  [15] _________________________________________  * during classtime 

  _

1:55 -  2:10  [15] ____________Jack____________________________

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2:20 - 2:35  [15] _____________Eden___________ _________________ 

2:40 - 2:55  [15] _____________Christina_____________________________

3:00 -3:15  [15] _____________Sebastian_____________________________

On  Thurs 4/21/22: 2  * I might need to reschedule due to meetings &/or advising appts

1:25-1:40 [15] ______________Natalia__________________________________ 

1:45-2:00 [15] ______________Kyle__________________________________ 

Tentative: On _Mon 4/25: “Last chance / emergency slots” ONLY 

      1st submitted complete Draft  DUE in __2___Days!  

11:00-11:10 [10] _____________________________________________ 

11:15-11:25 [10] _____________________________________________ 

11:30-11:40  [10] _____________________________________________ 

11:45-11:55  [10] _____________________________________________               

 Reminders:

1st submitted Thesis draft -via email- due by 4/27 @ 11:59pm

Oral  Research Presentations - live in-person in class 5/2-through 5/9

Final Thesis Draft -via hard copy submission - no later than Exam Session = MONDAY 5/16 @ 12:20pm-2:20pm  (but earlier is fine )

Final CommArts Capstone Assessment - via email - due by 5/16 @ 11:59pm (due from everyone, for departmental annual report data)

 _Misc "Instant" Project Reveals { incl Ethnographies, Oral Histories, Conversation Analyses, Discourse Analyses}, Burke's Pentad, (SHUPirates?)(George Washington novel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taV4lJMxSmU) ( GrndmaMses)

 

Uncertainty Reduction Theory  / Systems Theory / Media Richness / Third Person Effect/ Genderlects / Priming|Agenda setting / Muted Group Theory/ Dialectical Theory / IPT / metacommunication / Implicit Personality Theory/E.T.Hall: Anthropology/Communication overlap; / leftovers from midterm   etc
Assign Practice Projects: Oral History & _{_____(tba)}

page last updated 4/26/22

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