In week 10, students are to come up with a 1000-word research project proposal on a topic of their choice. The topic must be related to contemporary issues in international communication (Note: international communication, not political science or sociology). Discussions may be held on the suitability of the topic with the convenor by email. The convenor's approval must be secured prior to working on the project proposal. And once approved, the topic must not be changed. You may want to start identifying issues well in advance as choosing a significant and appropriate topic requires a lot of reading and consideration.

The proposal must contain 1. Background 2. Significance 3. Aims and 4. Method. It is an academic research proposal and must meet the requirements in structure and content.

Method must be qualitative and chosen from one of the methods learnt in the unit.

This assessment does not require employment of the method. In other words, no application or analysis of data is expected at this stage. But methodology must contain all details, including details of the proposed method and period of data collection and parameters of analysis.

Changing the topic yet again for the final research essay will not be considered favourably. Please think through the topic before attempting this assessment.

Marking rubrics will be available on ilearn. The following criteria will be used for marking the assessment:

1. A signficant and interesting issue of study in international communication.

2. Identification of appropriate conceptual and theoretical framework.

3. Data selection and discussion of appropriate analytical method.

4.  Use of comprehensive and accurate content.

5. Awareness of grammar and academic conventions.
 

Late penalty will be calculated at the rate of 2 per cent per day late, including weekend and holidays unless special consideration is sought prior to submission date with supporting documentation and as per the procedure prescribed by the University.

This major essay due in week 13 is a project of 4000 words. Students are expected to build on the project proposal submitted in week 10. This is to be regarded as Part 2 of the project study.

Taking into account the feedback provided, students are required to refine methodology, address deficiencies in the method if any and then apply the method to analyse the issue already detailed in the project proposal. No change can be made at this time in the topic without penalty. The essay is required to display a critical evaluation of the issue taken up for research and show evidence of wider reading, methodological rigour and sophisticated argumentation and interpretation. Students are expected to also take on board feedback provided for the research proposal. Students may consult the convenor on content, format and methodology, but please refrain from sending complete drafts for comments.

A rubrics will be made available on ilearn. The assessment will be graded on the following criteria:

1. Argument and substantiation: a significant argument, clearly substantiated, methodological rigour.

2. Organisation: clear structure, particularly coherence - an effort to tie the conceptual, theoretical and analytical aspects together

3. Attribution: Evidence of extensive reading and clear attribution of sources

4. Presentation: Good grammar devoid of spelling mistakes or errors that make understanding difficult.

Late penalty will be applied at the rate of 2 per cent per day late, including weekend and holidays, unless special consderation is applied for prior to the due date, with supporting documentation and as per University procedure.

Students will choose one of the methods from the unit schedule and within the framework of the readings, critique the method. Students are encouraged to read outside the reader to have a thorough understanding of the qualitative method. In a commentary consisting of not more than 1500 words, students are to list the ways in which the method chosen can be applied in international communication research and its effectiveness and inadequacies. The commentary must be in an essay format and not in dot points. Students will be required to choose another method for the project proposal and major essay.

The following criteria will be used in grading the assessment:

1. Demonstrated understanding of key ideas from the readings identifying the features of the method.
2. Own Research: Critiquing the method displaying knowledge of readings outside the Reader.
3. Good grammar, spelling, clear expression and proper referencing.