LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Assess the various theories and paradigms related to communication studies.
2. Evaluate the stages of development in theories and paradigms related to communication studies.
This assignment requires you to draft 3500 words of a literature review related to a communication theory.
Students are required to analyze and discuss at least 10 latest high-impact journal articles that are directly
related to a communication theory of particular interest to you. Student’s first task is to identify a
communication theory. This selection process is important, please put some time into it. Select a theory of the
following areas but not limited to:
● Intrapersonal communication
● Interpersonal communication
● Group communication
● Organizational communication
● Mass communication
● Intercultural communication
● Public relations
● Advertising
● Marketing communication
● others
The literature review should focus on a specific advanced communication theory or concept and examine the existing
literature on this topic. Students should provide a critical analysis of the literature, identify gaps in the research, and
suggest areas for further investigation. Analyze and discuss the journal articles according to the following guideline:
● The important notions, concepts and assumption or argument of the theory,
● The history, origin and background of the theory,
● The evolution or development of the theory,
● The application of the theory in contemporary media or communication research,
● The critics of the theory,
● The future direction of the theory2
Documentation requirement:
Please copy-check your assignment carefully before handing it in.
• Assignment Coversheet
The assignment cover page should contain information related to the assignment
• Table of Contents
The table of contents should be placed after the cover page. It must list the sections and the page on which each
section starts. The table of contents may be one or more pages long. The table of contents page(s) should not be
numbered.
• Referencing
Please ensure referencing is formatted using Harvard Referencing on content to avoid plagiarism. Refer to Taylor’s
Library for Reference and Citation guide.
Please pay close attention to the following:
• Ensure that the table of contents page precisely reflects the entire content of the report including the appendices.
• Page numbering: Page numbers prior to the ‘Introduction’ should be roman numerals. From the introduction
onwards page numbering should be in numbers.
• Submission to be made in Microsoft Word/pdf.
• Suggested Word Count for the Research Proposal: 3500 words.
• Submission
Submission will be made via MYTimes folder. Link to the submission folder will be provided 2 weeks before submission
date. No extension will be permitted without legitimate reasons.
Marking Criteria
CRITERIA MARKS WEIGHTING (%)
Understanding and Explanation of the Chosen Theory/Concept 10
Critical Evaluation of Literature and Identification of Research Gaps 10
Quality of Writing and Clarity of Expression 10
TOTAL MLO 1 30 15%
Use of Relevant and Credible Sources 10
Structure and Organisation of Literature Review 10
Referencing and Citations 10
TOTAL MLO 2 30 15%
TOTAL MLO1 + MLO2
