FINAL PAPER/CREATIVE PROJECT -- MASS COMM 285

The final project for Mass Comm 285 counts for 40 percent of the course grade.  You will be expected to have settled on at least a general topic and be able to discuss it in class by April 7. The assignment is due May 12, the last regular day of class. Presentations will take place May 12 (and May 19, if necessary).

You may choose one of three structures for the final project:

1. You may write a 15-20 page research paper on a topic related to the course readings.  This can be an analysis of how a particular technology has evolved or influenced a segment of society, a review of literature on a particular technology, a look at how one of our readings (or a concept from it) relates to a current technology or trend, or anything else related to mew media technologies and communication.
2. You may create a comprehensive, multi-page Web site about some aspect of communication.  This must be researched and reported like a research paper, with multiple academic and periodical sources, but can be formatted however you like, with images, links and/or multimedia.  Unlike a term paper, you must present it to the class at the end of the semester.
3. You may create a new media technology project, such as a detailed Powerpoint or Flash presentation or comprehensive newsletter using InDesign or other software.  As with a Web site, this must be researched and reported like a research paper, but allows you to take advantage of the video and audio elements of the medium you choose.  You must also present it to the class. 

I give graduate students a fair amount of leeway on how to approach their papers and projects, but the best ones usually integrate both information gathered through research with concepts and examples found in readings and discussed in class. Show me you know how some of the ideas from class relate to the subject you've chosen. The terms and concepts you learn in this class come in very handy when analyzing the information you've found in your research.

All Papers:

1. The paper will be between 15 and 20 typewritten, double-spaced pages of text (not counting title page, bibliography, appendices, tables or figures, photocopied articles, etc.).  Because of all the writing involved, you will not need to present your paper to the class.
2. Papers will be typed or word-processed, double-spaced, on 8½ x 11" paper.  Please proofread and/or spell-check your final version.  There is no need to place your paper in a binder; a staple in the upper left corner is fine.
3. Any photos, graphics, illustrations, long lists or you choose to include should be placed at the end of the paper as appendices. You may refer to them in the text (i.e. "See Appendix 1"). These do not count toward the final number of pages.
4. This is a research paper. That means that you need to go out and find information about the topic and report your findings in the paper. It means you look at a significant body of material -- usually 15-30 articles or 10-15 books, depending on the topic -- and analyze what you find. It does not mean you read a couple of articles and write the paper off the top of your head.
5. Given that this is the culmination of a graduate-level class, the quality of writing is expected to be high.  If English is not your native language or you otherwise have difficulty writing English, it's a good idea to have someone you trust proofread your paper before you turn it in.  Poor grammar, spelling, structure or use of style will hurt your final grade.  If you'd like to turn in a rough draft for me to examine, I will accept it no later than two weeks in advance (I recommend one month) to allow plenty of time for reading and revisions. 
6. The three biggest mistakes you can make are:
   (1) Jumping to conclusions without backing them up with research.
   (2) Getting facts wrong, whether misspelling names, misstating dates or making any other factual errors.
   (3) Plagiarizing -- representing someone else's words as your own. When in doubt, cite the source.
7. I do require both a bibliography and in-text citation in my papers. You should adhere to APA style throughout, in preparation for writing theses and/or comprehensive papers.
8. You are required to number your pages. If you can't figure out how to make your word processor do this, number them by hand before you turn your paper in.
9. You are required to keep a photocopy or floppy disk/hard drive copy of your paper. If the paper did not print clearly enough to read easily, make a clear photocopy and turn that in. You are also required to keep all your notes, research materials and rough drafts until the papers are returned. Both of these are to protect you in case of any question about plagiarism, duplication, fabrication or missing work. See the course syllabus supplement if you are unclear on what constitutes plagiarism and/or fabrication.
10. Omitting any required element (i.e. bibliography, page numbering, etc.) will cost you a letter grade.  
11. Extensions will be granted only with an extremely good and well-documented reason (i.e. extreme emergency explained to Prof. Craig before the due date). Any unexcused papers turned in after class on the due date will not be accepted.

All projects:

1. All projects, whether a Web site or new technology project, must incorporate research commensurate with that for a 15-20 page term paper.  This doesn't mean the project has to read or look like a term paper.  Rather, you should use the research as the crux of a multimedia presentation that utilizes all the characteristics of the program or medium you use. 
2. It's not expected that your project will contain all the text of a 15-20 page paper.  Don't just put pages of research on slides.  Use the audio and video properties of your multimedia platform to put together an effective presentation containing the highlights of your research.  You should put all references into the last page, slide or frame of your project. 
3. You will need to provide a copy of your project file/files.  I would suggest e-mailing files to me in advance of the presentation date.  There is no need to print out copies of slides, screen shots or Web pages.
4. Since there's less writing involved with a project than with a paper, students who create projects must present them in front of the class.  You should plan to make your presentation last five to seven minutes, leaving time for questions at the end.  You will be graded on both the content and the delivery of your presentation.  Don't just read your slides or pages to the class -- use the combination of your spoken words and the content of the multimedia to make an effective presentation.  
5. Make sure your presentation is formatted to be easily shown on the class computer.  You may e-mail me the presentation file/files ahead of time, but please also bring copies of these files on a flash drive, CD or other storage media on the night you're scheduled to present, and show up early if at all possible.  You may bring your laptop and use it to present, but it's preferable to transfer everyone's files to one machine, because not not every laptop works with every projector.  Also be sure you have notes or other materials ready beforehand.  Lack of preparedness will hurt your presentation grade.  If you're not sure if your file format is compatible with the lab's computer, please contact me ahead of time.

GOOD LUCK!