Intercultural communication (HCOM 101 Research Paper)

HCOM 100, SUMMER SESSION 1, 2014

Your Paper Guidelines

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

This project provides you with several opportunities, namely:

1) an opportunity to do a focused reflection on any topic of your interest from introduction to human communication, and show your expertise on it based upon your class readings, discussions, lectures, and research.

2) an opportunity to expand your basic communication knowledge and skill, especially effective listening and speaking.

3) an opportunity to develop or further your research skills.

4) an opportunity to improve your critical thinking and communication skills in writing.

SPECIFIC ASSIGNMENT

Step 1) Referring to your course syllabus, choose one basic communication topic (e.g., effective listening, effective communication, improving self-concept, perceptual barriers to communication, intercultural communication challenges, interpersonal relationship, and improving intercultural communication). Any legitimate communication topic of your interest will do. Make sure to get topic approval from me.

Step 2) Find three sources on your topic. One of these should be a peer-reviewed scholarly article. I will show you how to find such an article. Neither should you use dissertation abstracts nor books except for your textbook. You may find the article references at the end of your textbook useful. 

Step 3) Read your research-materials carefully paying close attention to how communication scholars have dealt with your topic and what insights do they provide us to understand the topic. You are encouraged to discuss your understanding of the research materials with your instructor.

Step 4) Think about the benefits of your research.  Ask yourself in what ways your research and readings can help you improve your basic communication knowledge and skills.

Step 5) After reading and organizing your thoughts, write your paper following these requirements:

1. Cover page with title of your paper, your name, course, and date
2. Write 5-6 pages of text from the top to the bottom of pages
3. Paper format in APA style (e.g., double space, 1 inch margins on all sides, typed). For your convenience, a general outline of how your paper should be written is provided below.

I.          Introduction: Briefly indicate what you will discuss in your paper. Identify your topic and give two reasons why readers should pay attention to the topic. Highlight your key ideas that you will explore in your paper supported by your research and examples. Present the thesis statement/s that you will develop in your paper.

II.        Body of your paper: Discuss each of your key ideas drawing insights from your textbook, lectures, and class discussions, and then discuss how your research helps understand the topic and improve basic communication knowledge and skills. Be specific, thorough, and thoughtful as possible. Be sure to support your arguments well; draw upon and cite your research materials in your  text where appropriate.  Make sure to discuss your contributions to understanding human communication. Use good transitions and examples. Discuss your ideas coherently and substantively.  

III.       Conclusion: Summarize your key points and highlight the lessons you have learned through research and writing this paper.

References: Give complete references of the articles in APA style.

Grading Criteria: Your paper will be graded based upon Organization, Clarity, Substance, Coherence, Style and Thoroughness. Remember, you can and will write this paper at the college level.

Friendly Note with J:

You are welcome to discuss your ideas with me and seek my advice.  Remember, when in doubt (about anything), ask your instructor (it is free).

YOUR PAPER IS WORTH 60 POINTS; Draft Paper (10 points) due on June 6 for peer review and feedback, and Revised Paper (50 points) due on June 18, 2014. YOU CAN SUMBIT IT EARLIER BUT NO LATE SUBMISSION WILL BE ACCEPTED