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Theory Paper Assignment Write a paper the explicates the core concepts of a mass communications theory or paradigm. The three-fold purpose of the paper is to (a) define and justify mass communication theory, (b) trace its development and ongoing debates, and (c) advance an argument about theory. Notes/Instructions It is a summary paper, not an original research study. The paper should be 5 to 7 double-spaced pages, excluding references. This is not a full-blown paper, so no title page or abstract is needed. Start the first page with the title on the top and start the paper on the next (double-space) line. The paper is an overviews about the social sciences and mass communication; it is not discipline-specific (advertising, public relations, etc.). The paper will summarize what you have learned from the readings and class discussion, so you won’t have many sources. Five is sufficient. You may consult other sources beyond those assigned, but you are not required to do so. Use primary sources whenever possible. However, secondary sources are OK for these topical papers. However, the paper should use only academic, peer-reviewed sources if at all possible. Cite all of your sources, but minimize citing class lectures. Published sources are always better than unpublished ones, and published academic sources are best. The paper must be written in APA (7th edition) style. Submit the paper as a Word document. Outline Title Give it a title. Just two examples: “Why Mass Communication Theory is Still Dependent on Psychology” or “How a Media Effects Paradigm Reflects Unresolved Conflicts over Theory Development.” This paper will address the development of mass communication theory as a singular idea, not individual theories. Use three headings: Theory Defined (which could have 3 subheads: Define, Good, and Why) Development of Mass Communication Theory Conclusion, which is the argument identified in the title of the paper Theory Defined (about 1.5 – 2 pages) Begin the paper with an introductory 3-ish sentences foreshadowing your conclusion. Theory Defined (about 1 paragraph each for these subheads): Definition. Compare and contrast definitions we will explore in class and conclude with your preferred definition – either someone else’s or one you create. Good: Describe three to five key characteristics of good theory. Draw on our readings and class discussion to identify the attributes that, for you, make for good theory. Why: Justify why theory matters for mass communication research. Theory Development (about 2-3 pages): Trace the development of mass communication theory. Choose one of these perspectives: (1) four reactionary trends per Baran & Davis, or (2) as an ongoing dialectic between strong and limited effects. Contextualize the development of mass communication theory by showing how it was shaped by factors such as world events, evolution in mass media, and advancements in psychology and sociology. If a paragraph relies solely on a single source such as Baran & Davis, which is acceptable for this summary paper, the citation goes at the end of the paragraph. Conclusion (about 1.5-2 pages): End with a single argument of about two pages that reflects the paper’s title. Examples of questions that may help stimulate your thinking about that argument are: Could mass communication theory exist without sociology and psychology? Has the debate over whether media are powerful or have limited effects been resolved? Is critical studies one of four trends (Baran & Davis) or a separate paradigm? Why does communication or mass communication have so many theories? Does a new media era require new theories? A few tips: Avoid there is, there are, there was, there were, it is, it was, it would. These weaken your writing. Avoid introducing research with the citation. State the information the study found and cite at the end. Don’t use a researcher’s first and last name or institutional affiliation when identifying an author. Or gender. If you begin a sentence with “Research has shown…” then it needs to end with citations. Your opinion and evaluation of the research are irrelevant. You are just reporting what information has been reported. Don’t use more than one block quote in a literature review. In general, don’t use more than two direct quotes in a literature review. Avoid demonstrative pronouns (this/that/these/those). If you use one, immediately follow with an antecedent. We have very little absolute proof in social science. Avoid the words proved and proven. Use found and suggested instead. Use only one space after a period. When citing, avoid using “in their research.” Avoid rhetorical questions and colloquialisms. Like means “like this, but not this.” Turkey is like chicken, but it’s not chicken. Use such as or including instead. Never write in second person. First person is only appropriate in certain fields and in certain journals.
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