GRADUATE STUDIES
Department of Communication Studies
Fall 2011
This course will prepare you to engage in the advanced study of Communication from a social science perspective. Topic areas include the following:
The Degree / Requirements, curriculum, faculty, thesis option, advisory committeesThe Discipline / Evolution and structure of Communication Studies, leading scholars, major journals, professional organizations, current issues, new research trends,professional opportunities inside and outside academia
The Research Culture / The preeminent role of theory and research, locating and reading scholarly articles, observing and measuring communication variables, designing valid research, research ethics and the IRB
The Academic Manuscript / Structure and format of research papers, academic writingstyle, APA references and citations
To synthesizecourse content, you will write an APA-styleresearch proposal (literature review, rationale, research question, methods, projected results) and submit it for peer review. You will present your research proposalto the Department in a convention-formatpanel attended by faculty and students. Following your presentation, you will field questions from the audience and receive feedback from a guest respondent.
EVALUATION AND GRADING
Examinations –Two exams (25% each) will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your command of course content and APA style. Other (non-graded) assignments will be required.
Paper and Presentation – You will write an APA-style research proposal (25%) andpresent the proposal (25%) on a program for students and faculty.
Attendance – You are expected to be in class every time we meet. In case of legitimate illness or emergency, notify Dr. Witt at the earliest possible opportunity. Missing class or habitually arriving late is indicative of a lack of professionalism and will reduce your grade.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS
- Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th ed. (2009).
- Hocking, Stacks, & McDermott (2003). Communication Research (3rd ed.).Boston: Pearson Education.
PROFESSOR – DR. PAUL WITT
328-MS, 11-12daily or by appt TCU 817-257-6683 Home 817-207-0067
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE Changes will be announced in class.
8/24Prepare: E-mail your résumé to Dr. Witt. Find outall you canabout graduate faculty members: Drs. Finn, Garner, King, Ledbetter, Powers, Sawyer, Schrodt, and Witt.
In Class: “The skinny” on the M.S. in Communication Studies; Panel of returning students: What I Wish Someone Had Told Me When I Started Graduate School
8/31Prepare: Read Hocking preface and Ch. 1-2, and bring a discussion guide to class.
In Class: Two research perspectives; Evolution of Communication Studies;Major journals and associations; Current trends and specializations
9/7Prepare: Read Hocking Ch. 6; pp. 273-283; and 237-251. Bring a discussion guide.
In Class: Observing and measuring variables; Quantitative research design and methodologies; Structure of the research article; Finding and reading primary sources
9/14Prepare: Read Hocking pp. 104-109 and 114-119; also 193-203.Read several journal articles, and annotate two of them. Be ready to overview this area, including leading scholars.
In Class: Qualitative reports; Overview research areas;brainstorm research ideas.
9/21Prepare: Read several journal articles related to your research paper. Prepare an
annotated bibliography summarizing at least six more of the most relevant ones.
In Class: The research process; the role of communication theory in research
9/28Prepare: Read Hocking pp. 46-66; also 423-432 and 439-441. Continue reading and
annotating articles.
In Class: NCA Code of Ethics; Specifics about the research paper; APA format and style; Writing tips and common errors
10/5Prepare: Review all course content to date.
In Class: 15-minute appointments for oral Mid-term Exam
10/12Prepare: Scan APA Ch. 1-2. E-mail for projection in class a 1-page overview of your proposed paper, including title, description, theory, measures, and RQ.
In Class: Discussion and feedback on proposed papers; Writing the introduction
10/19Prepare: Scan APA Ch. 3-4. E-mail your abstract, introduction, and as much of your literature reviewas possible.
In Class: APA references and citations; Writing the theoretical rationale
10/26Prepare: Scan APA Ch. 6-7. E-mail completed literature review, RQ, and references.
In Class: Final instructions about research papers
11/2Prepare: E-mail your methods and projected findings.
In Class: 15-min. appointments for feedback on papers
11/9Prepare: Research paper due (bring a hard copy to class)
In Class: Review classmates’ papers; e-mail your final paper by noon tomorrow
-----11/16NCA New Orleans -----11/23 Thanksgiving Break
11/30Prepare: Prepare an exemplary 8-minute presentation.
In Class: Practice research presentations, evaluate the course.
12/2(Friday) 2:00-4:00 p.m. Graduate Research Forum
12/12(Monday) 3:00-4:30 p.m. WrittenExam over APA Style
IMPORTANT CLASS POLICIES
Academic Integrity – By enrolling in this class you agree to maintain academic integrity as outlined in the Student Handbook at
Cheating During An Exam – The official policies from Sec. 3.4 of the Student Handbook will be strictly enforced during this course. Cheating consists of the following activities, among others:
- Copying from another student’s test paper
- Collaborating with or seeking aid from another student during a test
- Using unauthorized material or devices during a test
Plagiarism – Turning in assignments you did not write or using content you did not cite constitutes plagiarism.
In the event of academic misconduct related to this class, I will recommend to the Dean that the student be dropped immediately from the course with a grade of F.
Disabilities Statement - Texas Christian University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 regarding students with disabilities. Eligible students seeking accommodations should contact the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities in the Center for Academic Services located in Sadler Hall, 11. Accommodations are not retroactive; therefore, students should contact the Coordinator as soon as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Further information can be obtained from the Center for Academic Services, TCU Box 297710, Fort Worth, TX 76129, or at (817) 257-7486.