Bangkok University
ICA314 Methods of Communication Research
Semester S, 2007
3 Credits
Pat Chatiketu
Midterm STUDY GUIDE
Final EXAM STUDY GUIDE!
"In most of our abilities, we differ not at all from the animals. We are in fact behind many in swiftness and strength and other resources. But because there is born in us the power to persuade each other and to show ourselves whatever we wish, we have not only escaped from living as brutes, but also by coming together we have founded cities and set up laws and invented arts, and speech has helped us attain practically all of the things we have devised."--Isocrates, (Ancient) Greek rhetorician
Catalog description: Effective research is an essential component in developing and writing about concepts related to human communication. This course examines various research methods, strategies for selecting research topics, the use of communication research literature, and the development of a research project including appropriate documentation. Prerequisites: advanced standing in a communication major and established writing skills. A core requirement for all communication majors.
Extended course description: This is a course that will change how you write papers, and how you formulate arguments. We will shed shed our amateur apparel and don the suits of professional researchers--creating arguments based in rock-solid research and writing sentences so profound that they echo when you reach the period.
Okay, there are less glamorous moments that we will have to trudge through. Nevertheless, you will be able to use your newly acquired research skills to make birthday gifts and delicious vinaigrettes.
This course is designed to teach you how to write and research as a scholar. Our focus will be on the research practices of communication studies, although the skills we learn may be applied generally.
Teaching Philosophy and Methodology
Research and Discovery in Communication is an in-depth examination of current communication research methods. Throughout the term we will rely on two books and online reading material to support our work.
We will examine three major research methods: quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and rhetorical criticism.
This course is designed and operated very much like a lab, in which students will design and work on individual research projects. In addition, students will post assignments on the course bulletin board so that we might all benefit from each student's research.
By the end of this course, you should be able to do the following:
| Differentiate amongst and describe: quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and rhetorical/literary criticism. | |
| Properly cite research in a scholarly paper. | |
| Develop a research project using proper scholarly methods. | |
| Understand and properly use the APA style guide. | |
| Demonstrate professional research practices. |
This
course may also help you meet the following outcomes for the Liberal Arts Core:
| 1 | Write clear, grammatical sentences and well-ordered paragraphs. |
| 2 | Show critical thinking through careful reading and analytic writing. |
| 3 | Formulate and support a line of argument in writing. |
| 4 | Demonstrate advanced-level skills and formats for writing academic research papers in the student's major discipline. |
| Mid-term examination | % |
| Final examination | % |
| Assignments | % |
| Assignment | Due Date | Description | Outcome(s) Addressed by Assignment | Assignment Weight |
| Class assignment | ||||
| Mini-research | Literature review, research, conclusions |
Grading
Policies
Each assignment grade, as well as the final course grade, will be determined based on the following:
| A | 85-100 | Superior work. Demonstrates a thorough understanding and application of course outcomes and concepts. |
| B | B+ (80-84), B (75-79) | Very good work that exceeds the course outcomes and requirements of the assignment. |
| C | C+ (70-74), C (65-69) | Work that meets, but does not exceed, the course outcomes and requirements of the assignment. If you meet ALL course outcomes you will earn a minimum of a C in the course. |
| D | D+ (60-64), D (55-59) | Work that fails to meet course outcomes and/or the requirements of the assignment. |
| F | Less than 55 | Work that falls far short of course outcomes. Failure to turn in assignments may also result in a course grade of F. |
Late Work: Late work will be accepted, in all circumstances, with a 5 percent-point penalty, per day, starting the minute after assignments are due. Please do not ask for extensions.
Incompletes: I will give incompletes only in the event of verified family or medical emergencies.
| Classes Begin | May | 30, 200 |
| Adding and Dropping Period | June | 1 - 4, 2006 |
| Mid - term Examination | June | , 2006 |
| Semester Break | - | - |
| Withdrawing Period | - | - |
| Pre-registration Period | - | - |
| Last Day of Classes | - | - |
| Final Examination | - | - |
Writing is one of the central activities through which students learn, communicate, and demonstrate learning. Academic writing differs from other forms of writing in that it usually:
Unless otherwise indicated by the instructor, all writing in Marylhurst University classes, from electronic bulletin boards, to personal essays, to formal research papers, will be evaluated on the basis of Standard American English, quality, creativity, effectiveness of argumentation and reasoning, and accuracy of information. In addition, academic writing will be evaluated on the selection and use of appropriate supporting material. Any information not original to the student must be cited in a recognized format for example, APA, MLA, or Chicago appropriate to the academic discipline. Use of information or material from outside sources without proper citation is plagiarism and grounds for disciplinary action.