Below are the instructions for the paper copied and pasted. I also included a link to the chapter in the book with the Theory I’d like to use. Make up any believable “real life” scenario for the paper.
Instructions:
Theory in Action Papers
Com 240
The goal of this assignment is to apply a communication theory to an experience you have had in real life.
Consider the claims of the theory, what the theory explains, what it predicts (objective) OR what it helps you
understand (interpretive); apply these insights to your own lived experience. What insights do you gain through
this analysis?
Your paper will be organized into three main parts: the selected theory (where you identify and summarize the
theory, including the claims and main terms); the communication situation (where you briefly describe the
experience you had); and application of the theory (where you apply the theory to your situation and analyze
your experience). The longest section should be the third section where you share your analysis and insight.
More detailed instructions are included below.
Sections of the Paper:
Selected Theory: In one paragraph, clearly state the theory that you will use for the paper. In your own
words, explain what they theory is about and the types of situations this theory might address. What
phenomena does this theory explain? What does this theory predict (objective theories) or help us
understand (interpretive theories)? Be sure to define all key terms.
Communication Situation: In one paragraph, describe the particular situation you plan to use for the
application of the theory. Your description ought to include a clear reference to some communication
behavior or reaction to communication. You must provide enough detail in your description so that it is
clear exactly how the theory you select applies appropriately to the situation. You can also include
additional details in the Application of the Theory.
Application of the Theory: In a few paragraphs, apply your selected theory to the situation you’ve
described. How does the theory as a whole apply to your experience? How do specific concepts from
the theory apply to your experience? What insight(s) do you believe the theory provides that help you
understand the communication behavior that you’ve described in your situation? What prediction does
the theory make or what advice might it offer for the future or for other situations? Does the theory
come up short in any respect? It should be evident in your application that you understand the theory
and are able to apply it to the particular situation you choose.
Evaluation Rubric for Theory in Action Paper
Selected Theory: 20 points
Clearly states the theory that you will use for the paper.
In your own words, explains what theory is about
Defines the theory (major claim? Minor claims?)
defines key terms (most relevant to your communication situation)
Situations theory is used in
identifies the phenomena the theory explains
states what the theory predicts or helps us understand
Communication Situation: 20 points
Describes situation you will use for the application of the theory.
Includes clear reference to a specific communication behavior or reaction to communication.
Identifies what area(s) of communication the situation demonstrates (IPC, PS, Rhet, Org, Media)
Sufficient detail to set up Application step
Something that you experienced directly (and recently enough to remember specific details)
Application of the Theory: 50 points
Apply your selected theory to the situation you’ve described.
What insight(s) do you believe the theory provides that help you understand the communication
behavior that you’ve described in your situation?
What prediction does the theory make or what advice might it offer for the future or for other situations?
Does the theory come up short in any respect?
It should be evident in your application that you understand the theory and are able to apply it to the
particular situation you choose.
Application must be your original idea (not a paraphrase or summary of someone else’s work)
APA format: 10 points
In text citations (at least 2)- use specific quotes from chapter
References page (at least 1 entry)-cite the chapter, not just the book.
