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Catalog description: Prerequisite: Journ 350, major status.  Examines theories of mass communication, modern function of media in a democratic society. Research paper examines virtues and shortcomings of media, including interaction with economic, political and social environment.  Writing-intensive course.

Specific objectives: This is the final course in the Journalism major, including concentrations in public relations and environmental journalism.  Students will be expected to utilize skills and knowledge acquired in earlier courses in the major in the preparation of a major research paper, critiquing the work of others, and participation in vigorous class discussion.  This is a course in current issues in the field, and students should be conversant with publications in the Journalism library covering current topics, and with academic research in the field.

Class procedures: The class will employ a seminar format and students will be expected to take an active part in discussions. The mark of a professional communicator is the ability to make his or her points in a variety of ways and settings.  Small-group meetings and team projects are increasingly the method of operation in modern news rooms and also in public relations offices.  Students who elect not to take part in class discussion cannot expect a top grade, regardless of the quality of their written work. We will devote time to discussion of current news topics, based on reading of The New York Times and access to other print and broadcast news.

Each student will write and present a major research paper, at least 20 double-spaced pages in length, plus citations in the form of in-text cites, footnotes or endnotes, and bibliography.  Papers will be presented in class in draft form, and will be critiqued formally by one student. Because of the number of students in the class and the length of the quarter, two papers will be presented each time; I will try to select topics that are compatible.

During early sessions of the class, while topics are being accepted, discussion will focus on research theories and methods, some general areas of concern, and other topics to assist the process.

Texts: Lester and Lester: The Essential Guide.

The New York Times, Mon-Fri editions, by subscription (forms available first day of class)

Grading: Grading will be based on the research paper, including an abstract, and on presentation of the paper.  Additional credit will be given for class participation, including a formal critique, informal discussion and contribution to the class. Credit will also be earned for a group presentation of a research theory.

Research paper 200 points

Abstract 10 points

Presentation of paper in class 20 points

Critique of a student paper 20 points

Role in class discussion 30 points

The Research Paper: Several points should be kept in mind when organizing and writing a major research paper:

1. Select your topic carefully.  Will it carry the distance?  Or, is it too narrow to fill 20 pages?  Is the topic relevant to this course, and of at least modest interest to fellow students?  Can you find enough material here and now to do the job?

2. Formulate a rationale for your choice of topic.  This could turn into an introduction or a thesis statement.  Why do we care?

3. Locate your sources early, and photocopy important excerpts or short articles for later use.  Be sure you mark carefully on each the full bibliographic citation so you won't have to search for it later.  Utilize initial sources to locate others--consult bibliographies and endnotes for additional sources.

4. If you think you will need Inter-Library Loan for books not available here, use it at once--it can take time.  You can search Cascade for other libraries in the region.

5. Internet offers wonderful new opportunities for information.  If you use material, you must record the proper citations for your paper.  Do this at once--it is very hard to go back and find much of this material, and very time-consuming.

6. Work with a rough outline.  This allows you to organize your research, and working through a section can give one a great sense of achievement.  The task will seem less daunting.

Deadlines:  Because the class assignment each week, after our introductory sessions, depends upon availability of a research paper, it is critical that deadlines be observed.  Lateness will result in serious grade reductions of 10 percent per calendar day, to be taken off the final paper's grade.

Topics:  I would like to have an approved topic for every student by October 6.  We will discuss potential topics on September 27. Provide a rationale for your topic and a rough idea of how you expect to approach it, and some of your major sources.  Be prepared to help provide suggestions to others.  Then on October 6, hand in a formal proposal to me.  It must have your topic, rationale, a general idea of how the paper will be organized, and a list of major sources, including printed material, personal interviews and other material, including video and internet).

Draft Paper: When topics have been approved, I will post a schedule of presentations.  Your paper is due by noon on Thursday if you present on the following Monday, or in class on Monday if you present on the following Wednesday.  Make three copies: one for me and one for the person assigned to critique your paper; the third goes into the J480 reading box in the Journalism Library.   Bring your draft paper to class for your oral presentation.  The draft need not be the full 20 pages, unless you are hoping to score your entire 200 points on your first shot (yes, it can be done); but it should be well on its way to a final paper. I will award points on the draft paper to serve as a guideline, but will not enter a grade until the final paper is received.

The Presentation: You will lead discussion with a presentation of about 15-20 minutes, summing up your major points, sharing your research and any conclusions you may have reached, and discussing what is ahead for the paper.  You will be followed by a brief student critique, and then you will be expected to take a leading part in class discussion of the topic.  You may wish to use the classroom projection system, and/or other visuals or handouts.

The Critique: Each student will critique another student's paper. Write a critique of about two pages, and present your major points in class directly following the paper's presentation.  This should be brief, and avoid excessive concern about grammar, spelling, etc.--go for more critical elements.  A critique should examine: suitability of the topic for this class; selection of sources for this topic; use of sources in a relevant manner; proper supporting documentation for conclusions; obvious gaps in the research or illogical conclusions.   List your ideas for improving the paper in its final form.  At the end of your written critique, identify three separate footnotes, endnotes or reference cites that you have checked for accuracy. If they are improperly cited or used, identify the errors.  Turn two copies of the critique in to me; keep a copy for your use in class, give one to the paper's author.

The Final Paper and abstract: Due either four weeks after the draft paper was presented in class, or by December 6, whichever is earlier.  The final paper should take into account critiques by the class as well as my notes and reactions.  It should be carefully edited to avoid the loss of points due to typos and careless writing.  Notes and bibliography must be in final, approved style.  Also prepare a 250-word abstract, explaining the central thesis/theme of your paper, your research findings and conclusions. Leave two copies of the paper and abstract in my box, plus the marked-up draft I returned to you. I do expect to work with you individually on these papers--and look forward to it.  As you encounter barriers or want to flesh out your ideas, come and visit with me.

Research Theory: This class provides a brief overview of several theories of mass communication research that should be familiar to graduates with a major in journalism. The class will divide into groups and prepare group presentations of five theories during the first weeks of the class. Grading will be on the quality of the group presentation.

Class participation: In addition to the research paper and critiques outlined above, you can earn 30 points for class participation. I enter participation points after each class, based on each student’s contribution to the discussion. I subtract 5 points for each unexcused absence. Each student will subscribe to The New York Times for the quarter; expect to discuss articles in class.

Class Schedule:

Sept. 22 (Wed) Orientation, discussion of procedures.

Sept. 27 (Mon) Searching for research material. Possible paper topics.

Sept. 29 (Wed) Citations, references, bibliographies.

Oct. 4 (Mon) Writing the Introduction and Thesis.

Oct. 6 (Wed) Topic due today

Oct. 11 (Mon) No class, conferences with professor

Oct. 13 (Wed) Media theory 1. Organizing a longer paper.

Oct. 18        (Mon) Media theory 2 and 3.

Oct. 20 (Wed) Media theory 4.

Oct. 25         (Mon) No class, conferences with professor

Oct. 27 (Wed)  Media theory 5. Critiquing a paper; Abstracts.

Nov. 1 (Mon) Begin presentation of research papers.

Final paper and abstract due December 6, or four weeks from presentation, whichever is earliest.