NOTE: The assignment details, value and structure are changing significantly for the Spring 2010 semester, in part to accommodate for the 2 week Olympics break. The information below is for historical reference only. Stay tuned for new information, which will be posted before the first day of classes in January. ********** Details on each course requirement will be posted once they have been assigned. This page will also feature general guidelines and tips to help you complete your assignments. Be sure to check out the Resources page for additional sources, examples and materials, as well as familiarize yourself with SFU's policy on Plagiarism.Mini Field Study (10%) To be completed during Week 2. 5-page report due: January 19th, in lecture Click here for details. Mid-Term Exam 25% Take-home midterm exam (open book) to be completed during Week 6/Reading Week. Completed exams due: February 23rd, in lecture Term Paper 30% Students will be required to complete term research papers between 12 and 15 pages (double spaced) in length, written on a topic related to the course of the student’s own choosing. Suggested (optional) topics for the paper will be provided midway through the term. Any paper topics suggested or discussed during lecture and tutorial over the course of the semester are also acceptable. Original research is welcome and encouraged, as long as it is conducted following the ethical guidelines provided by the university’s Office of Research Ethics and has been approved by Joel or Sara. Additional information and resources will be provided upon request to those students wishing to undertake original research for this assignment. Term papers will be due on Monday, April 6th in Lecture. Click here for details. Final Exam 25% Final exam to be assigned and completed during the exam period (April 6-16, 2009), and will consist of a take-home exam in three parts (A to C). For a full colour version of the ad you are asked about in Part C, please click here. Tutorial Participation 10% Students will be expected to actively participate in tutorial discussions, which will focus on the readings, lectures and on linking course materials back to communication theories/traditions Students will present on a selected reading during the second half of the semester. ****Hint: Student Learning Commons If you need any help with writing and/or completing your assignments, or you'd just like to brush up on your essay writing skills, we encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful services offered by the Student Learning Commons: "Officially launched in Fall 2006, the Student Learning Commons (SLC) is an academic learning centre mandated to assist and support undergraduate and graduate students in their academic pursuits. The SLC provides writing and learning support services across the three SFU campuses, including support for students in W, Q, and B courses, international students, English as an Additional Language (EAL) students, college transfer students, graduate students and many others. Services are provided through workshops, personal consultations, print and online resources, as well as through classroom collaborations with faculty and other instructors. The SLC works closely with the Library, Student Services, the Foundations of Academic Literacy and Numeracy courses, Faculty Advisors, and many others, to provide effective "one stop, one step" academic support services for all SFU students." You can book up to 6 hours of one-on-one consultations every semester, which could easily make the difference of a letter grade or more in this class, as well as help considerably with your overall writing skills and academic performance. For more information, visit the SLC website at: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/ |