The objective of this assignment is to test your research skills of paragraphing, quoting and referencing. This assignment consists of two parts.

Part 1 - Multiple-choice quiz (5%)

The quiz requires you to identify direct quotes and paraphrased ideas on iLearn. The quiz questions are based on one reading in Week 2. It should take you only 30 minutes to complete. You are allowed to attempt the quiz five times, and the average mark will be calculated. It can be completed any time after Week 2 where tutorials are dedicated to paraphrasing, quoting and referencing. The due date for the completion of part 1 is 5pm 21 March (Week 4).

Part 2 - Paraphrasing ideas from reading (5%)

This part requires you to paraphrase ideas from an article in Week 5 & Week 6. It can be completed any time before 5pm 21 March (Week 4). Please check instructions and rubric for this assessment on iLearn. 

Assessment criteria for this task include: 

Part 1 - Multiple-choice quiz (5%)

Correctness of answers. There is only one correct answer for each question. 

Part 2 - Paraphrasing ideas from reading (5%)

• Excellent, succinct summary, captures the most significant points, clearly expressed. No errors in spelling, grammar or referencing. (HD)
• An excellent, succinct summary that captures the main points, but may have minor errors in referencing, spelling or grammar. (D)
• A good summary, with the most important points included. Could be more succinct/less wordy. Extra details or not enough explanation may detract from the summary. Generally well referenced, but there may be noticeable errors. (C)
• The summary is unclear, but shows an attempt to grapple with the key points in the reading, though it may focus more on tangential points. Referencing may be more faulty than correct. (P)
• The summary does not touch on the main ideas in the reading at all and referencing may be missing or entirely inadequate. The summary may be seriously plagiarised. (F)

You will be given advertisements on iLearn to choose from for your written analysis. In your short essay (around 1000 words), you should use the semiotic terms (eg. icon, index, symbol) that have been introduced in class to explain how the ad is constructed, how meaning is created, and if the ad is effective or not. Your analysis should be precise, concise, and use semiotic theory. Using relevant references and providing a reference list are compulsory. Written analysis needs to be submitted by 5pm 4 April (Week 6). Please check instructions and rubric for this assessment on iLearn.

Assessment criteria are: 

• Correct application of semiotic terms to the interpretation of advertisements
• Critical reflection on how semiotic theory ties into the way the advertisement is produced and the message is received
• Writing skills and grammatical skills
• Consistent referencing and good choice of sources, with good reference to semioticians

This assessment task is designed to test your ability to understand the key theories and concepts that you have learnt across this unit, to synthesise information and to organise your thoughts to address essay questions, and to apply pertinent theories and methods to organise your own research projects. This task consists of three parts, all of which can be completed outside class: 

Part 1 - Multiple choice questions (20%) 

This part consists of 20 multiple choice questions (single answers). These questions focus on a broad overview of this course, and are mainly based on unit readings and lecture ppt slides. You need to use the course outline as a framework for study. The questions will be put up on iLearn in Week 10. They can be completed at any time anywhere before the due date 5pm 30 May (Week 12). It should take you approximately 30 minutes to complete. A strict time limit will be set. You are only allowed to attempt the quiz ONCE. Please ensure that you have a smooth Internet connection. If there are any difficulties in access to Internet, or any problems with your Internet connection that disrupt the completion of the test, please email the unit convenor immediately. You are allowed to take the test on paper in the tutorial class in Week 13. Please note that the questions on paper are different set of questions that will be selected randomly from the question pool. 

Part 2 - Essay question (15%) 

You are required to choose one of the three essay questions and write a short essay of 500 words. Your essay needs to develop a clear argument that is well supported by evidences, follow standard essay structures and be referenced. The essay questions will be put up on iLearn in Week 8. 

Part 3 - Research proposal (15%)

You are required to develop a brief proposal for a research project of 500 words. You can choose one of the topics that you have learnt about in this unit for your project. You need to design a research question or hypothesis that you intend to address, present a brief review of the literature you plan to contribute to in conducting your research, discuss the theories and methodology (research methods) to be adopted for the research, and explain the significance of the proposed project. 

Part 2 and Part 3 questions and topics will be put in one word document and uploaded on iLearn in Week 8. You can address them in order in one word document and submit it to Turnitin on iLearn by the due date 5pm 30 May Week 12. An example of a research proposal will be put up on iLearn. Please also find instructions and rubrics on iLearn.

Assessment criteria for this task include: 

Part 1 - Multiple choice questions (20%)

Correctness of answers. There is only one correct answer for each question, one point per correct answer. 

Part 2 - Essay question (15%)

• Relevance to the essay question, and well formulated answers 
• Clear and reasonable argument well supported by relevant theories or examples 
• Originality of the research and critical approach 
• Mini-essay format with clear structure, and concise writing
• Correct use of referencing including in-text citations 

Part 3 - Research proposal (15%)

• Significance, originality and relevance of topic
• Original and relevant research questions or hypotheses 
• Well argued and logical literature review that provides a good overview of the background and context for the research project  
• Articulated theoretical framework for the research
• Appropriate methodology clearly articulated and justified for the research project
• Clear and concise writing, well-organised structure, consistent referencing including in-text citations

Participation

• Please remember that in standards-based assessment, it is through assessment tasks that students demonstrate the unit Learning Outcomes. In this unit, participation will be assessed using a rubric. 

Attendance

• Students are required to sign the name sheet in each tutorial.
• But please remember that turning up is not a learning outcome. 

Assessment Criteria are: 

1. Demonstrates good preparation for the assigned topics

2. Initiates critical discussions about assigned topics and provides comments that advance the level and depth of dialogue (consistent)

3. Demonstrates an active role in discussions

4. Contributes to ongoing discussions

5. Demonstrates group research collaboration and research skills