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). No two students can work on the same topic. For this reason, the convenor's approval must be secured prior to working on the project proposal. And once approved the topic must not be changed. This is to avoid repetition of topics. So, choosing the 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 taught in the unit. Students must make sure that they do not pick the same method that they did their class presentations on. 

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 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 according to University requirements.

This major essay due in week 13 is a project of 3000 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.

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 requirements.

Students are to contribute to tutorial discussions led by other students. Marks are for making meaningful contributions and insightful observations that foster critical thought and analysis. Although ensuring 80 per cent attendance in tutorials and lectures is necessary, attendance alone will not suffice.

Consistent critical engagement with other students in tutorials on the methods of analysis would form the basis of marking criteria.

Students will present individually or in groups of 2 depending on the total number of students in the tutorial. Each team 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. Each team is required to distribute a 500-word synopsis listing the ways in which the method can be applied in international communication research and its effectiveness and inadequacies. The team may choose studies that have applied the method and analyse why the method was chosen over others and with what results.

Only one group will be allowed to present in a week and must inform the lecturer of their choice in week 2 and not later than week 3. Presentation is to last for 40 minutes followed by questions. Team members are encouraged to think of innovative ways of ensuring class involvement and participation.

One way to do that is to design a matrix that can be applied to study a contemporary issue relating to international communication and get the class to engage in the activity. Each team member must demonstrate her/his contribution to the presentation. Groups will receive a common grade. This is to be treated like an examination. Inability to make a presentation must be conveyed to lecturer with supporting documentation prior to the date scheduled. Failure to present on the week scheduled without notice and valid reason will secure a ‘F’ grade.

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. Participative and creative aspects: ideas, insight, originality in developing questions or activities which encourage class participation.
4. Delivery: clear verbal expression; good teamwork
5. Good grammar, spelling and proper referencing.