You are responsible for writing up an ACADEMIC style, ten to twelve page long paper (content), using APA (preferred) or MLA format that incorporates at least SEVEN sources.
The primary goal of this paper is to focus on one (or more, if you choose to (in their intersectionality) Conflict Management Concept(s), Issue(s), and Mechanism(s) for a particular setting (e.g., organizational, racial, political, global, relational, etc) on an example of an existing (and, advisably, urgent) issue in the area of your interest, AND use research to illuminate the depth and complexity of the concept/issue and argue your case of solving it.
For ALL papers and assignments in this course, you should address these two questions in some section of your paper: (1) what does this topic say or teach us about CONFLICT, its nature and mechanism? And, (2) what does this topic say or teach us about the role and power of COMMUNICATION and its impact on conflict management and resolution? Responding to these questions helps keep the topic within the realm of what we focus in on as a department of Communication Studies.
Grammar, style, research, unique contributions and organization are considered as part of your evaluation/grade for all writing. A (Creative side: Academic side) TITLE should appear on every essay/paper. Finally, work to integrate and cite source material including communication journals, academic articles, and other related and credible academic texts.
AVOID using Wikipedia or “.com’s” for ethos in your essay/paper (it’s a starting place, if anything); rather, use COMMUNICATION JOURNALS, academic books, and related academic journals from other related disciplines to boost your academic ethos.
AVOID copying and pasting from books/websites/sources without formally citing that work in an appropriate academic manner. If you use a source to help you write up your essay, formally cite it in text of the essay and out of text in the References or Works Cited. Plagiarism will be dealt with per department and university policies. (See the ACADEMIC INTEGRITY CONCERNS AND LINKS section of the syllabus.)
Recommended FORMULA:
Begin with an interesting and powerful introduction (between 1 and 3 pages):
Begin by stating your theoretical research question. (E.g., refer to the conflict situation you find fascinating, relevant, and paradox. Identify the type of a conflict here, its concepts and mechanisms).Very briefly refer to the literature that leads to your research question. You will need at least 10 academic sources for this paper. Refer to your research question and demonstrate why this is an important question.
Introduction of data (1 paragraph):
Flow into the data you will use to answer the research question. (E.g., an actual “case study” would be of use here- the current situation in Iraq, or in Ferguson, or in Ukraine. You may also refer to the local conflicts – be it at work, at the university, or in your community.) Explain why these data are appropriate for answering the question.
Overview of data (1 paragraph to a couple of pages):
Give an overview of the data so people who are unfamiliar with it will have a sense of it (this might include historical context).
Overview of analysis (1 paragraph):
Provide a brief overview of your analysis or your analytical categories. Preview findings that will answer your research question. (E.g., you might point out three conflict management mechanisms you argue/claim are relevant and have the potential to solve the existing conflict you choose to analyze).
Presentation of analysis (the bulk of your paper—8-10 pages):
Present your analysis, using as a structure the major findings or the major categories that emerged (i.e., conceptual schema). Within each category, present what you’ve found and give a few examples to support your idea. When you want to use quotes or theories of others as support, do not begin paragraphs with the quotes or discussions of the theories. Begin by making the point you want to make, and use others’ theories or quotes to support your ideas. Your thesis statements of paragraphs should be about what you want to say and not echo someone else. Your basic task here is to show your reader how you moved from your data to your claims.
Conclusion (1 to 2 pages):
Provide the theoretical answer to your research question. Tell the contribution you are making to the field. Do not simply summarize your findings. Transcend your data and answer the research question theoretically. (E.g., you will move beyond your particular case study here and address the “umbrella” – aka “meta” conflict – organizational, or relational, referring to your “so what” contribution).
Note: As we go through the semester try to find an issue or topic that you have passion for and want to explore in depth. Use your r short response essays to guide you – your academic voice and your research focus.
Use Communication Studies journals as your credible sources including The Western Journal of Communication, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies, Howard Journal of Communications, Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, Research on Language and Social Interaction, Southern Journal of Communication, Communication Monographs, Rhetoric and Public Affairs, and Women’s Studies in Communication).
Use of a Communication Claim/Argumentative Thesis (In this paper, I argue…) is essential.
The paper should include: a separate and FORMAL Title page, TEN pages (max) of written content, plus a References (APA style) OR Work Cited page (MLA style), so 12 pages (max) TOTAL.
Grammar, organization, use of research, and uniqueness of contribution and/or argument are considered as part of the grade.
Use Double-spaced, 12-point New Times Roman font.
