| H. Paul LeBlanc III, PhD | Office: 458-7724, 458-2596 (DT), Fax: 458-5991 |
| Department of Communication | E-mail via WebCT |
| MB 2.248J, BV 4.374 (DT) | Office hours: 8:50-9:20 MWF, 1-2:30 W (DT) |
This course facilitates understanding of the fundamentals of research methodology as it is utilized in the field of communication. Emphasis is placed on the development of quantitative and qualitative research designs, as well as the interpretation and critical evaluation of findings. An equally important function of this class is to foster students' insight into the techniques of scientific inquiry so that students are able to apply course-related concepts to their own research of communication phenomena.
Lectures, discussion, classroom exercises, written assignments, oral presentations, and in-class and out-of-class observations will be used to aid the development of knowledge and skills related to the study of communication.
The aim is to merge theory and practice throughout the classroom experience. To this end, we will maintain a stimulating, interactive, open, and friendly classroom environment that fosters self and other insight, critical thinking, intellectual growth and communicative competence. The following objectives are core to the course:
Keyton, J. (2006). Communication research: Asking questions, getting answers (2nd ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill. (required)
American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. (recommended)
American Psychological Association. (2005). Concise rules of APA style. Washington, DC: Author. (recommended)
Rubin, R. B., Rubin, A. M., & Piele, L. J. (2006). Communication research - Strategies and sources (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Wadsworth. (recommended)
Cheating, plagiarism and collusion will not be tolerated. All work submitted must be the original work of the student, for this course only (no submitting the same assignment in more than one class). The penalty for plagiarism, cheating or collusion may include failing the assignment, failing the course, or expulsion from the University depending on the severity of the infraction. Please see the University's Student Code of Conduct for information regarding this policy.
Course requirements must be fulfilled in order to successfully pass the course. Late assignments will not be accepted. Incompletes will be given only in very limited cases and only when they meet the Policy for Incompletes on file in the Department of Communication office, as well as the University requirements for Incompletes as specified in the Handbook of Operating Procedures. Please see the Course Materials Handbook for further information on assignments, grading criteria, and course schedule. All other University policies will be followed.
In order for this course to be a successful learning experience for you, active and committed participation on your part is crucial; therefore, as specified in the Information Bulletin, students are expected to attend class. All assignments are due according to the Schedule of Assignments listed in the Course Materials Handbook. Students are expected to take examinations and turn in assignments at the scheduled time. Students who may miss an examination or assignment deadline due to an authorized University activity should make arrangements to complete the assignment in advance, which includes approval from the student's Dean. Late assignments or examinations will not be accepted. Please also see the Handbook of Operating Procedures for policies regarding attendance.
The Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:
If you have a disability that may have some impact on your work in this class and for which
you may require special accommodations, please see a coordinator at Disability Services
(MS 2.03.18, or BV 1.302) so that such accommodations may be arranged. After you receive your
accommodation letters, please meet with me to discuss the provisions of those
accommodations as soon as possible.
Examinations: Students will be assessed on knowledge of course material through examination. Two exams will cover approximately one half of the course each and will consist of a variety of types of questions: multiple choice, true-false, and identification.
Research Exercises: Students will complete five assignments which will require short written reports. These assignments are designed to assist each student in the preparation of the Research Proposal and will involve researching and reviewing the literature, developing an instrument and method, and collecting data for a research project.
Research Proposal: Students will write a formal essay analyzing a communication phenomenon, utilizing standard research procedures including reviewing the literature, specifying a hypothesis, and developing a testing protocol. As well, each proposal should detail expected findings and propose directions for future study.
Oral Presentation: Students will present the their individual research proposals to the class. The presentation will be a four minute informative speech using technological tools such as computer software, video or photographic slides. All presentations will be scheduled in advance. Students are expected to follow the schedule.
Quizzes: Students will be quizzed four times during the semester. Quizzes will not be announced in advance and will comprise material from the reading and/or from class lectures.
A full description of each of these assignments can be found in the Course Materials Handbook, which is located in WebCT, or through the course website Student Section at hpleblanc.com.
| EXAMINATIONS (150 pts. each) | GRADING SCALE: |
|
RESEARCH EXERCISES (100 pts. each) RESEARCH PROPOSAL (100 pts.) ORAL PRESENTATION (100 pts.) QUIZZES (25 pts. each) |
90.0 - 100: A
80.0 - 89.9: B 70.0 - 79.9: C 60.0 - 69.9: D BELOW 60.0: F |
Grades are earned and will be calculated on a cumulative scale. Grades can be calculated by dividing the raw score of the assignment by the total points possible for the assignment. Grades are calculated using a 1000 point scale. For example, if the total number of points that can be achieved on the Research Proposal is 100, then the proposal is worth 10% of the final grade. However, a raw score of 72 on the Research Proposal will yield only 7.2% rather than the 10% possible for that assignment. Likewise, a raw score of 78 on the Midterm is 7.8% of the final grade. Extra credit will not be assigned for any student due to poor performance or missed assignment. Grades are not rounded. You may use the Grade Monitoring Form located in the Course Materials Handbook to calculate your grade average in the course at any time. Furthermore, you may obtain your current grade for assignments in WebCT for this course. Additional requirements on individual assignments will be assessed for graduate students or students registered for the class under an Honor's contract. These additional requirements are specified in the Course Materials Handbook for each assignment description.
A Exceptionally well-prepared completion of assignment indicating effort, individualized style, and impact expected of effective communication.
B Unusually well-prepared completion of assignment indicating original application of course materials and individual imagination distinctly superior to average effort.
C Satisfactory completion of assignment indicating effort normally expected of the majority of students (basic preparation, correct procedure, and disciplined technique.)
D Unsatisfactory completion of assignment indicating technical irregularity, misperceived objectives or methods, unorganized effort, or failure to follow directions.
F Failure to complete assignment during the scheduled time through lack of evident effort.
All students will be expected to follow the instructions as they are presented, meet the grading criteria, and turn in each assignment by the due date in order to earn a "C." All course requirements and deadlines are explicitly written in the Course Materials Handbook.
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