Category: Communications and Media

With a partner or on your own choose a topic that is very interesting to you.
2.The purpose of your infographic is to inform your audience (this class) about your very interesting topic. 
3.The class will be your audience for the infographic so pre-plan what your content will be for the audience.
4.Create an infographic on your topic, with information that is selected for your audience.
5.*Remember that infographics are heavy on the …graphics . . . so create a design that is aesthetically pleasing and delivers the message you want to be delivered.

In Chapter 11 of the textbook Cahn, D. D., & Abigail, R. A. (2014). Managing conflict through communication (5th ed.)., the authors explain how you can transfer the principles and techniques taught in formal mediation training to mediate disputes between other people you know – family, friends, students, and co-workers. You are also asked to apply the principles and skills from the workplace as described in Chapter 12 to conflicts that have or may confront you where you currently work (If you are not employed or a full time student, you might consider writing about an internship, part-time job, an organization you belong to, or job you used to have.) The purpose of this essay is to apply correctly the key concepts, principles, and suggestions from Chapters 11 and 12 to conflicts in your life.
Note that this essay should be based on two chapters, equally. In some cases you can integrate the two chapters as you write, but in other cases you may first want to discuss one chapter and then the other. In either case, you must treat both chapters equally.
In 300-700 words, write a brief essay in which you apply key concepts and suggestions from Chapter 11 and 12 to your own life situation, past, present, or future. The Objectives and Key Terms at the top of Chapters 11 (Managing others’ disputes through mediation) and 12 (Managing conflict in the workplace) identify the key concepts in the chapters. Address the following in your essay:
Define and explain two key concepts from each chapter that stood out to you; please include page numbers, cite from the textbook, and end the essay with a reference to the textbook (citations/ references should be in APA style).
Include suggestions the authors make for each chapter that would help you better manage conflicts (again include page numbers and references to the textbook)
Then explain how you could use the concepts that you identified to better manage a conflict in the past, present, or future (it may be one conflict for both chapters or a separate conflict for each chapter).
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
Minimum/maximum (300-700 words) limit
Identified 2 key concepts per chapter, defined, and explained them (key concepts are printed in bold in the text).
Identified at least one suggestion from each chapter.
Cited the text (with page numbers) and referenced it at the end of the essay.
Written in the APA style using the correct grammar and spelling

In Module 3: Week 3 and Module 4: Week 4 you have read a significant amount of information on both media and human theory in Ruddock (2017) and Littlejohn, Foss and Oetzel (2021). As you are a Strategic Communication scholar it is important for you to consider how these theories begin to help us emerge ideas for how theory can align with real-life.  As Strategic Communication scholars we need to understand how media creates perceptions that affect how societies perceive social issues.  Also, we need to consider that when media and people interact the output is a phenomena that automatically connects people to society, history, and culture.  Therefore the key methodological insights result from the success of small-scale studies who take these elements into account.
In your post, discuss media ritual research, methodological best practices, and how researchers can ‘know’ that there is truth in Strategic Communication studies in light of the theories compiled by Ruddock (2017) and Littlejohn, Foss, and Oetzel (2021) 
For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 reference
form the textbook reading and 1 biblical reference in APA format. Each reply must incorporate
at least 1 reference from the textbook reading or 1 biblical reference in APA 7  format. 
.
Must be at least 600 words

Over the last two days we have covered a lot of information about how we communicate to build and enforce relationships. We will add in more in the next module. A lot of the information overlaps and a lot is changing as we throw in all of the technological leaps and bounds we are going through. All of these concepts also play heavily into every type of close relationship that one has: family, friendships, love interests, work relationships, etc… So, for this assignment, I want you to pick out one of these ideas discussed and find an article through the UTK library databases about it. The article MUST be published within the last 5-6 years. Google scholar can also be used as long as you can fully access the article and it is from a reputable source. You will analyze the article given the below prompts. You will submit the article/article link along with your analysis. Each analysis should be 3+ pages in length (minimum 3), double spaced, correct margins and 12 point font (5 points) and include a works cited of any information cited plus the article in APA format (5 points). The article MUST have a theoretical foundation. For example: you can combine privacy in CMC in long distance relationships; or disclosure in online environments; etc… Think of it like this: the article must combine theory, ideas discussed (privacy, technology, etc…) in regards to one of the core close relationships (family, friendships, romantic relationships, etc…).
Please include:
• Summary: What theoretical idea(s) or research questions inspired the study? What
methods were used to investigate the topic? What were the most notable results?
What implications do the results have for real life and/or for future research? (10 points)
• Analysis: How do these findings relate to the readings or additional readings you may have found? Were the findings
consistent with what was presented in the readings? What were the main strengths of the
article? What did you think the authors did especially well in describing or analyzing
their results? What were the main weaknesses of the article? What were the
limitations of the methods used? What interpretations did the authors make that you
think are in error, unjustified, or over-stated? What lingering questions do you have?
(30 points)

Here is the link to the lecture as well as the example of how the critique should be written. 
Please follow the example because this is how the format should be. 

Scenario: Your supervisor has requested that you research recent innovations from the last 2-3
years to see which could be useful for your department or unit. You will need to identify the innovation
and then craft an informal report by writing a memorandum for your supervisor to read. It is your
supervisor’s hope that this will be the beginning of new resources for you all–ones that would make
everyone’s work easier and more effective.
Before you submit your work, return to this assignment handout and make sure you did everything
required according to the rubric. Review the rubric and/or feedback on your Outline and Annotated
Bibliography. Have you addressed the areas where you had room for improvement in the Outline
and Annotated Bibliography?
Your report must:
• Be in the form of a business memorandum, including heading and formatting elements
• Be 500-1000 words long, not including the addendum
• Reference at least 3 reliable sources
• Cite sources using either APA style or “neat” links where a web address is embedded in text
using descriptive hyperlinks (here is an example of a “meaningful link”)
• Address the audience (in this case, your direct supervisor) as an educated and involved reader
who is not necessarily an expert on the topic
• Use standard English and avoid jargon and technical language   

Directions – Look Back & Learn (Special Mission: Original Drawing)
Directions – Look Back & Learn (Special Mission: Original Drawing)
Purpose
“Look Back & Learn” activities are designed to connect the work you do in the course with your experiences inside and outside the classroom. These assignments are intentionally open-ended to let you engage in the content of the course in a way that reflects your own skillset & interests. We want students to consider content beyond the borders of a single week.  Longer exposure to learning makes long term learning more likely.  This assignment will typically take around 75 minutes of your time. 
Instructions
1. Reflect
Reflect over the content from previous/recent classes. The below questions are meant to be “thought-starter” questions.  You are not meant to answer each one after another.  Simply creatively share a few things that resonated with you:
Which ideas in the videos/text were most interesting to you? Most challenging?
What was your favorite part of the content in last week’s material?
What concepts from last week are the easiest to see in your own life? 
What strategies (for reading, test-taking, etc.) do you plan to employ this week in class? 
2. Create
Once you’ve taken some time to reflect on the content that connected with you in our previous and recent classes, it’s time to create! Craft some kind of deliverable that serves as a reflection of your experience with last week’s materials. You might create something that explores a concept, connects an idea from class with your own life or pop culture, etc.  This prompt is being kept intentionally open-ended because we want you to engage with the material in a way that speaks to you. Here are some examples of deliverables that could be created (but please don’t limit yourself to these):
A write-up, presentation, or video exploring how a piece of media (literature, movie, TV show, music, video game, etc.) demonstrates or connects with key concepts from a chapter we covered. 
A piece of art/poetry/music inspired by something we covered in class. 
A study guide covering the most important concepts from the last week.
A personal reflection (via writing, video, music, podcast, etc.) that discusses what connected with you most from the week and how you might apply it to your life. 
A written skit or video demonstrating a key concept from last week.
Double-check your submission to make sure it is viewable.
Double-check your submission to make sure it is formatted in the fashion you desire.

Students will write a short report that discusses their experiences playing a single game. This assignment will utilize theories discussed via in-class discussions as well as readings.
1. Assignment (1) One – Analytical Essay-1.pdfDownload Assignment (1) One – Analytical Essay-1.pdf
2. Game Analysis Guidelines.pdfDownload Game Analysis Guidelines.pdf
3. Concepts up Until Week 4.docx
Assignment Prompt: Analytical Essay on Gaming Experience
Assignment Title: Exploring Gaming Experiences through Analytical Discourse
Assignment Overview: In this analytical essay assignment, you will delve into your personal experiences playing a single video game of your choice. Drawing upon the theoretical concepts discussed during in-class lectures and the readings assigned throughout the course, you will critically analyze your gaming experience to gain deeper insights into the world of interactive digital media. This assignment will provide you with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical gameplay, enhancing your understanding of how gaming relates to broader cultural, social, and psychological contexts. This assignment encourages you to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical gaming experiences.
Assignment Objectives:
To analyze your specific gaming experience in detail.
To apply relevant theoretical concepts from in-class discussions and course readings to the chosen game.
To critically evaluate the game’s impact on players and its broader cultural significance.
To enhance your academic writing, research, and analytical skills.
Assignment Instructions:
Game Selection:
Choose a single video game to serve as the primary focus of your analysis. The game can be from any platform (PC, console, mobile, etc.) and any genre, but it should be a game you have played extensively (or have at least familiarity with enough to write an assignment).
Ensure you play the game. I recommend taking notes and screenshots as you play to aid you in writing.
Theoretical Framework:
Identify and incorporate at least two theoretical concepts or frameworks discussed in class or covered in the course readings. Explain how these theories relate to your chosen game and its gameplay experience.
You may reference one theoretical framework from class and one from outside the course, if you wish.
Analytical Approach:
In your essay, analyze and dissect your gaming experience by addressing the following points:
Introduction to the game: Provide an overview of the selected game, including its title, genre, platform, and developer.
Gameplay experience: Describe your personal experiences while playing the game. Highlight significant moments, challenges, and interactions.
Application of theoretical concepts: Explain how the chosen theoretical concepts can be applied to your gaming experience. How do these theories help you better understand aspects of the game or your interactions with it?
Critical evaluation: Assess the game’s impact on players, potential cultural influences, and the significance of the gaming experience in the broader context of digital media and society.
Conclusion: Summarize your key findings and insights from the analysis.
Research and Citations:
Support your analysis with scholarly sources, including academic articles, books, and reputable online resources. Ensure proper citation and referencing in a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Format and Length:
Your essay should be between 1000 and 1500 words in length, excluding references and any appendices.
Use a 12-point font, double-spaced
Evaluation Criteria:
Your assignment will be assessed based on the following criteria:
Depth of analysis and application of theoretical concepts.
Clarity and organization of the essay.
Integration of scholarly sources and proper citation.
Critical thinking and original insights.
Writing style, grammar, and adherence to formatting guidelines.

The goal and purpose of this assignment is two-fold and builds upon the Deliberation Logs assignment. The purpose of analyzing arguments is to help us make “responsive and responsible decisions by facilitating our understanding of multiple perspectives on a controversial topic” (Makau & Marty, 2001, p. 206). This rightly assumes that there are already existing perspectives on a given topic. Thus, to engage in the discussion on the topic, one must be familiar with the various issues and commonplaces that already exist in the academic and public conversation you are about to participate in and on which you will take a position for in completing the Final Assignment. Whereas the Deliberation Logs demonstrate the ability to closely focus on reading, summarizing, and paraphrasing the arguments of others, the Issues & Commonplaces Paper demonstrates the ability to understand the “big picture” and synthesize the broader discussions of the Question of Value (QoV).
Issues & Commonplaces paper (3 – 5 full pages)
This short paper is a modified version of the Deliberation Logs, Step #2 (discussed as step one by Makau & Marty, 2001, p. 208-215). By properly completing this paper, you should have a broad understanding of the issues that drive discussions and disagreements as well as the commonplaces where opposing sides can agree upon topics related to the QoV. For this paper, REMEMBER, you are NOT taking a position regarding the QOV. Rather, you are explaining and synthesizing (via summarizing and paraphrasing) what the broader issues and commonplaces that structure ongoing conversations about the group topic and QoV.
Thus, you will identify the issues and commonplaces drawn from and supported by sources you have researched. First, you will identify, phrase, and explain the commonplaces that your sources agree upon. Secondly, you will identify, phrase, and explain the issues in which the multiple sides of the controversy disagree upon.
Be aware that the issues and commonplaces may not always be explicitly stated. Thus, you will need to read and cite a variety of sources that allow you to support what you have identified as the issues and commonplaces. The issues and commonplaces paper must be completed individually.
Grading & Assessment: 
Issues and commonplaces are accurately and concisely stated (2 of each).
Claims about issues/commonplaces are adequately supported/cited from reliable research.
Comprehensively explains topic and the multiple sides that comprise the discussion about topic.
Utilizes at least six (6) sources to support claims about issues and commonplaces (textbook does not count as a source but will likely be cited).
Proper APA (6th ed.) formatting (req’d: cover page, references, in-text citations).
Paper includes a strong intro, preview statement, and accurately synthesizes cited literature.
Does not take a position. (!!!!)

Search for and identify your dream job in professional social media. The job you pick must be a real job and a real company. The best way to know that a job is real is either 1. You can find a posting for the job on a company website, LinkedIn, online job board or other place where you might find actual job listings. Or 2. You can identify an actual person who has that job at that company, typically by finding their profile on LinkedIn, but possibly also by finding their employment details by other trustworthy sources. DISCLAIMER: Some students in this section of COMM323 have dream jobs in professions other than social media, and you should all keep your dreams alive. But please set those dreams aside for the purpose of this assignment, and focus on professions in social media.
In about 1-2 sentences, provide the specific job title and organization, and write a brief description of what the person in this job actually does. HINT: some students have previously responded to this prompt with a general description of the job, such as “social media manager at a company.” That is not enough information to fulfill this requirement. Name a specific position at a specific company.
In about 1-2 sentences, write a brief description of the experience or skills required to successfully land this job.
In about 1-2 sentences, write a brief account of why you find this job appealing, and how you think your skills and dispositions might make you a good candidate.
Concatenate the text of your dream job title and company and the other elements of this assignment, and paste the full paragraph of about 6-7 sentences into the General channel on Slack.