Communication Research Design – COMS 680

Course Description

The study and practice of the research design, interpretation, and evaluation of audiences, strategies, and issues.

Rationale

This core MA level research seminar will involve careful consideration of the approaches to research commonly employed in the field of communication studies. Traditionally, these approaches have included: (1) historical-critical (or rhetorical-critical) research, (2) qualitative research, and (3) quantitative research. The essential assumptions of this course are that the field of communication is an amalgam of the humanities, arts, and social sciences and that potentially all communication research approaches are valuable in the quest for understanding how communication works, has worked, fails, and has failed. The course is intended to open the door for the student to the major approaches employed in this multi-faceted field so that the student can better decide which direction(s) to take for future research and writing ventures.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussion (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 200 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 50 words.

Critical Reflections Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write a 1–2-page summary and critical analysis of each chapter in the assigned readings. The purpose of this assignment is to apply content from the textbook in order to enhance his/her understanding of the research process and the writing of the thesis proposal. Each paper must be in current APA format.

Thesis or Project: Part 1 – Literature Review Assignment

The student will write a 15–20-page Literature Review in current APA format that focuses on a topic of his/her choosing in preparation for the Thesis or Project Proposal. The paper must include at least 25–30 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Thesis or Project: Part 2 – Methodology Assignment

The student will write a 6–8-page Methodology in current APA format for his/her Thesis or Project Proposal. The Methodology must include at least 15 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Thesis or Project: Part 3 – Works Cited Bibliography Assignment

The student will write a 5–6-page Works Cited/Bibliography in current APA format for his/her Thesis or Project Proposal. The Works Cited/Bibliography must include at least 45–50 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Thesis or Project: Part 4 – Introduction Assignment

The student will write a 2–3-page Introduction in current APA format for his/her Thesis or Project Proposal. The Introduction must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Thesis or Project: Part 5 – Proposal Assignment

The student will prepare a 25–30 page Thesis Proposal or a Project Proposal in current APA format that focuses on an instructor-approved topic. The assignment is intended to be an appropriate culminating experience for the course and must display the student’s abilities to think and write critically as a communication scholar. The paper must include at least 30 scholarly references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible.

Thesis or Project: Part 6 – Presentation Assignment

The student will present his/her Thesis Proposal or Project Proposal via YouTube. The presentation must be 8–10 minutes and must be presented as it would at a professional communication conference or a professional workshop/training seminar. The presentation will be graded on delivery, professionalism, organization, content, creativity, visual aids, and preparation.