A 1000-word research project proposal on a topic of your choice is required to be submitted in Week 11. The topic must be related to contemporary issues in international communication (Please note that the topic is to be discipline-specific. Research projects must relate to '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. Choosing the topic requires a lot of reading and consideration and the earlier you identify it the better.

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. This assessment does not require application of the method. The assessment relates to methodology and hence must contain all details of the method. The proposal must make clear how the method is appropriate to the study of the issue, the period of data collection and the parameters of analysis. (It has to be workable as you will be required to apply the method in the final essay)

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. Choice of issue for study:  A significant contemporary issue of study in international communication.

2. Framework for analysis:  Identification of appropriate conceptual and theoretical framework.

3. Data collection: Data selection and discussion of appropriate analytical method.

4.  Structure: Use of comprehensive and accurate content according to academic conventions.

5. Grammar and language: Good spelling and grammar.  

Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved prior.

The proposal is to be uploaded on Turnitin. It is the students' responsibility to ensure that the correct assessment is uploaded, that all parts of the proposal (references, appendix etc) are uploaded and that acknowledgement is received. Claims of technical issues and wrong upload will not be entertained.

Students are expected to build on the project proposal submitted earlier for this major essay. This research essay 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.

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.

Assessment tasks are aligned to the unit Learning Outcomes. Timely submission of assessment tasks is a unit requirement or penalties apply. 10% per day (including weekends) will be deducted for all late submissions unless Disruptions to Studies (including a request for an extension) is approved prior.

The proposal is to be uploaded on Turnitin. It is the students' responsibility to ensure that the correct assessment is uploaded, that all parts of the proposal (references, appendix etc) are uploaded and that acknowledgement is received. Claims of technical issues and wrong upload will not be entertained.

Every tutorial from Week 3-9 will be devoted to one exercise/activity based on the method and on the readings related to the method prescribed for the week. Students will work in groups on these exercises/activities. Each one (one every week) will be worth 10 per cent.  About 5-6 exercises/activities will be given. The top 3 marks will be added to make up the 30 per cent. This means that students will have to ensure attendance in at least 3 tutorials in order to be able to attempt the exercises/activities to make up the 30 per cent. This is a group activity. Hence, make up exercises cannot be held for individuals who miss tutorials.

The exercises will be peer-marked by students in class. This is aimed at developing students' autonomy, maturity and critical abilities. The answer sheets  will be marked by fellow students in the tutorial class based on a marking scheme made available in class. The marking criteria will include

Familiarity with the method

Critical evaluation of the method

Ability to apply the method.

The final marks of the exercises will be made available within a fortnight in class.

Participation involves a pro-active engagement with the unit material in general and in-class activities in particular. It indicates more than physical presence (Texting, discussions with fellow students on issues unrelated to unit, social networking will be taken as a lack of presence). Students interactions, discussions, ability to participate in group activities, work as a team in completing tutorial tasks will be taken into account. A rubric will be posted in ilearn.