Expanding Communication Boundaries

James L. Knight School of Communication Master of Arts in Communication Capstone (Part 1 of 2) Fall 2013 Monday evenings, 6:00-8:45
So you've finally made it. After years of effort and rigorous thinking, you're ready for your Master's Capstone. This is the experience that defines your career as a graduate student. You will either emerge from the experience with your Master of Arts in Communication, or ... well, you won't. The COMM 680-681 sequence is unlike other courses you've experienced in the program. This sequence is self-paced and requires self-reliance and personal responsibility. Your experience will be an arduous one, so you want to prepare yourself and organize your time accordingly. In the COMM 680-681 sequence, you will have three opportunities to display your expertise. Successful completion of these three will advance you to the Master of Arts Degree: the comprehensive Master's examination, the Master's Portfolio, and the Inquiry Project (which range in this program from the Master's Thesis to Applied Research to Media Projects). Each student will demonstrate expertise in communication through the comprehensive examination. Each student will reflect on his/her personal and intellectual journey. And, each student (and soon-to-be Master's Candidate), will design a project, carry it to fruition, and report your findings. THE ROLE of COMM 680 in the CAPSTONE SEQUENCE The goal of COMM 680: Expanding Communication Boundaries is to prepare your thinking and your strategy for successful completion of the 680-681 sequence. At the end of this course (COMM 680), faculty have the opportunity to evaluate student progress toward the program completion. In the first half of the sequence (COMM 680), each student will:
Prepare and author a comprehensive literature review and research Explore multiple modes and methods for successful Masters-level John A. McArthur, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communication CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR MAIL : mcarthurj@queens.edu F2F : Dana 102 A SKYPE & Twitter : JAMcArthur HYBRID TOOLS
http://mycourses.queens.edu University Email Google Hangout (use email address above) Skype office hours & individual meetings

READINGS & RESOURCES

Each student will be responsible for identifying and compiling readings of best fit for the Inquiry Project. Some introductory resources will be provided on MyCourses. Each student will also need to compile a set of personal study materials for the comprehensive exam and reflection materials for digital portfolio.

WORKING WITH MULTIPLE FACULTY MEMBERS

Each student will be assigned to a primary project advisor for the Inquiry Project. Both the advisor and the instructor should provide timely feedback on your Inquiry Project in this course. Please note that the role of both faculty members is to guide your thinking and your project design using academic expertise. Under no circumstances does the responsibility for completion of this project lie with any individual except the student. As is true with all academic peer review, students are likely to receive multiple and varied (and sometimes contradictory) recommendations from multiple reviewers. The student is ultimately responsible for successfully mediating these discussions and incorporating any feedback.

proposal for the Inquiry Project.

research and select an appropriate methodology for the project.

Synthesize personal and program-based learning outcomes by: compiling personal materials in preparation for

comprehensive examination; and, reflecting on his/her personal journey as a Master's student through the creation of a digital portfolio.

the

COURSE POLICIES SCHEDULE. Students should recognize, at the onset of this course, that the course is self-paced, but also on a timeline. The primary goal of this course is to lay a foundation of solid theory, research, and practice that will culminate in the completion of the Master of Arts degree. Inquiry Projects are intensive, year-long explorations of an original communication inquiry that expand existing communication ideas, concepts, and boundaries. ASSIGNMENTS. All assignments are due on the dates listed on the syllabus. Late work will not be accepted (Note: if you have not finished the assignment, turn in what you have). All three assignments for the COMM 680-681 sequence will be explained in writing. Both COMM 680 and COMM 681 will have due dates for project benchmarks and meetings to be conducted by the student. WRITING. At the graduate level, your writing should be clear, coherent, and error-free. If you require assistance, please contact the Center for Academic Success at Queens. ASSESSMENT OF WORK. This course is the primary pre-requisite for COMM 681. Regardless of the grade earned in this course, the instructor and the students project advisor will offer recommendations about each students preparedness for COMM 681. The instructor will determine a students final grade based on these recommendations and assessment of student work throughout the semester. As noted in the student policies, students must earn an A or a B to advance to COMM 681. A final grade of A will demonstrate that the student (based on the recommendations of the instructor with input from the project advisor) is well-prepared and on schedule for successful completion of the Capstone in COMM 681. A final grade of B will demonstrate that the student (based on the recommendations of the instructor with input from the project advisor) is marginally prepared and/or behind schedule for completion in COMM 681. This should alert the student that s/he requires substantial effort or improvement prior to beginning COMM 681. A final grade of C demonstrates that, even though a student completed all work in the course, the student is not recommended to progress to COMM 681 and should re-take COMM 680 at the next available offering. A final grade of F demonstrates a failure to complete the requirements for this course and inability to progress to COMM 681. A final grade of Incomplete will only be awarded in situations of severe need (e.g. a medical condition requiring hospitalization). A student may not progress to COMM 681 with a pending grade of Incomplete. ATTENDANCE. This course is a hybrid course in which four different types of course meeting will occur: (1) Full class meetings; (2) Peer Group Breakouts; (3) Individual Research Meetings; and (4) Asynchronous Discussions. All full class meetings are required. If you are unable to attend a full class meeting, you are expected to make arrangements with the instructor in advance. The other three categories of meetings are also required, but the time of these meetings may be flexible relative to the full class meetings. UNIVERSITY POLICIES. This course adheres to the policies of the university and all other policies listed in the Student Handbook and the Graduate Student Policies for this program. If you have questions about any of these policies, please ask the instructor. The following policies are included here by university requirement:
Queens University of Charlotte Graduate School Information: Participation in this seminar is governed by the graduate academic policies found in the Student Catalog; the policies of the School of Communication Graduate Student Qualifications Committee; and the Queens University of Charlotte Honor Code. Failure to uphold any of these policies by any participant will be dealt with swiftly and severely, in accordance with the regulations of each policy. Disability Accommodations: If you are a student with a verified disability and you require accommodations, please provide me with the necessary memorandum that was given to you by Student Disability Services. Contact: The Coordinator of Disability Services: Sandy Rogelberg, 704-337-2508. Honor Code: The Honor Code, which permeates all phases of university life, is based on three fundamental principles. It assumes that Queens students: a) are truthful at all times, b) respect the property of others (this includes written works, thus, plagiarism is a Honor Code violation), and c) are honest in tests, examinations, term papers, and all other academic assignments. It is a violation of the Honor Code for a student to be untruthful concerning the reason for a class absence. If you believe that you have witnessed a violation of the Queens Honor Code, I encourage you to speak with me

confidentially. All members of the Queens community adhere to the Honor Code, these expectations are outlined in the Honor Code Booklet, http:// portal.queens.edu. Queens University of Charlotte Honor Code As a member of the Queens University of Charlotte community, I will endeavor to create a spirit of integrity and honor for its own sake at Queens University of Charlotte. Academic Pledge: I pledge truthfulness and absolute honesty in the performance of all academic work. Community Pledge: I pledge to be truthful at all times, to treat others with respect, to respect the property of others,and to adhere to University policies. Accepting both the privileges and responsibilities of living by this code of honor, I resolve to uphold this code and not to tolerate any violations of its spirit or principles. E-mail: Students Queens University of Charlotte e-mail (Qmail) is an official form of communication for this course, and will be used to disseminate materials and provide updates in group and individual form. Please check your email regularly. University Closings / Cancelled Classes: In the rare occasion when it is necessary to close the university announcements will be made on TV and radio, and will be posted on the Queens web site, http://www.queens.edu. The best way for the Queens community to receive fast and accurate information about closings is to sign up for QALERT at www.queens.edu/alert. Remember, you must register as a new user each academic year, even if youve signed up in the past. NOTE: If classes are meeting but you feel that you cannot find a safe way to get to class, you should notify me as soon as possible. Intellectual Property Policy: Queens University of Charlotte faculty and students adhere to the Queens Intellectual Property Policy and U.S. Copyright Law . See Faculty Handbook, http://moodle.queens.edu, and the Queens University of Charlotte website at http://www.queens.edu.

Launching Passion into Practice

James L. Knight School of Communication Master of Arts in Communication Capstone (Part 2 of 2) Spring 2014 Monday evening s, 6:00-8:45
So you've finally made it. After years of effort and rigorous thinking, you're ready for your Master's Capstone. This is the experience that defines your career as a graduate student. You will either emerge from the experience with your Master of Arts in Communication, or ... well, you won't. The COMM 680-681 sequence is unlike other courses you've experienced in the program. This sequence is self-paced and requires self-reliance and personal responsibility. Your experience will be an arduous one, so you want to prepare yourself and organize your time accordingly. In the COMM 680-681 sequence, you will have three opportunities to display your expertise. Successful completion of these three will advance you to the Master of Arts Degree: the comprehensive Master's examination, the Master's Portfolio, and the Inquiry Project (which range in this program from the Master's Thesis to Applied Research to Media Projects). Each student will demonstrate expertise in communication through the comprehensive examination. Each student will reflect on his/her personal and intellectual journey. And, each student (and soon-to-be Master's Candidate), will design a project, carry it to fruition, and report your findings. THE ROLE of COMM 681 in the CAPSTONE SEQUENCE The goal of COMM 681: Launching Passion into Practice is the implementation and successful completion of the 680-681 sequence. At the end of this course (COMM 681), faculty have the opportunity to evaluate student mastery of communication concepts and personal expertise in the subject matter. In the second half of the sequence (COMM 681), each student will:
Implement and complete an intensive, self-directed communication Articulate and present the results of an intensive, self-directed Demonstrate synthesis and mastery of high-level communication John A. McArthur, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communication CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR MAIL : mcarthurj@queens.edu F2F : Dana 102 A SKYPE & Twitter : JAMcArthur HYBRID TOOLS
http://mycourses.queens.edu University Email Google Hangout (use email address above) Skype office hours & individual meetings

READINGS & RESOURCES

Each student will be responsible for identifying and compiling readings of best fit for the Inquiry Project. Some introductory resources will be provided on MyCourses. Each student will also need to compile a set of personal study materials for the comprehensive exam and reflection materials for digital portfolio.

WORKING WITH MULTIPLE FACULTY MEMBERS

Each student will be assigned to a primary project advisor for the Inquiry Project. Both the advisor and the instructor should provide timely feedback on your Inquiry Project in this course. Please note that the role of both faculty members is to guide your thinking and your project design using academic expertise. Under no circumstances does the responsibility for completion of this project lie with any individual except the student. As is true with all academic peer review, students are likely to receive multiple and varied (and sometimes contradictory) recommendations from multiple reviewers. The student is ultimately responsible for successfully mediating these discussions and incorporating any feedback.

Inquiry Project.

communication Inquiry Project

concepts through a comprehensive and cumulative individual examination. Synthesize personal and program-based learning outcomes by reflecting on his/her personal journey as a Master's student through the completion of a digital portfolio.

COURSE POLICIES SCHEDULE. Students should recognize, at the onset of this course, that the course is self-paced, but also on a timeline. The primary goal of this course is to lay a foundation of solid theory, research, and practice that will culminate in the completion of the Master of Arts degree. Inquiry Projects are intensive, year-long explorations of an original communication inquiry that expand existing communication ideas, concepts, and boundaries. ASSIGNMENTS. All assignments are due on the dates listed on the syllabus. Late work will not be accepted (Note: if you have not finished the assignment, turn in what you have). All three assignments for the COMM 680-681 sequence will be explained in writing. Both COMM 680 and COMM 681 will have due dates for project benchmarks and meetings to be conducted by the student. WRITING. At the graduate level, your writing should be clear, coherent, and error-free. If you require assistance, please contact the Center for Academic Success at Queens. ASSESSMENT OF WORK. Regardless of the grade earned in this course, the instructor and the students project advisor will offer recommendations about each students successful completion of the Master of Arts degree. The instructor will determine a students final grade based on these recommendations and assessment of student work throughout the semester. As noted in the student policies, students must earn an A or a B to advance to COMM 681. A final grade of A will demonstrate that the student completed the work in the sequence with excellence, creativity, and passion. A final grade of B will demonstrate that while the student completed the work in the sequence with excellence, creativity, and passion, the work could be improved in either concept, argument, or presentation. A final grade of C demonstrates that, even though a student completed all work in the course, the work could be improved in multiple areas. A final grade of F demonstrates a failure to complete the requirements for this course. A final grade of Incomplete will only be awarded in situations of severe need. A student may not receive the Master of Arts degree with a pending grade of incomplete. ATTENDANCE. This course is a hybrid course in which four different types of course meeting will occur: (1) Full class meetings; (2) Peer Group Breakouts; (3) Individual Research Meetings; and (4) Asynchronous Discussions. All full class meetings are required. If you are unable to attend a full class meeting, you are expected to make arrangements with the instructor in advance. The other three categories of meetings are also required, but the time of these meetings may be flexible relative to the full class meetings. UNIVERSITY POLICIES. This course adheres to the policies of the university and all other policies listed in the Student Handbook and the Graduate Student Policies for this program. If you have questions about any of these policies, please ask the instructor. The following policies are included here by university requirement:
Queens University of Charlotte Graduate School Information: Participation in this seminar is governed by the graduate academic policies found in the Student Catalog; the policies of the School of Communication Graduate Student Qualifications Committee; and the Queens University of Charlotte Honor Code. Failure to uphold any of these policies by any participant will be dealt with swiftly and severely, in accordance with the regulations of each policy. Disability Accommodations: If you are a student with a verified disability and you require accommodations, please provide me with the necessary memorandum that was given to you by Student Disability Services. Contact: The Coordinator of Disability Services: Sandy Rogelberg, 704-337-2508. Honor Code: The Honor Code, which permeates all phases of university life, is based on three fundamental principles. It assumes that Queens students: a) are truthful at all times, b) respect the property of others (this includes written works, thus, plagiarism is a Honor Code violation), and c) are honest in tests, examinations, term papers, and all other academic assignments. It is a violation of the Honor Code for a student to be untruthful concerning the reason for a class absence. If you believe that you have witnessed a violation of the Queens Honor Code, I encourage you to speak with me confidentially. All members of the Queens community adhere to the Honor Code, these expectations are outlined in the Honor Code Booklet, http:// portal.queens.edu.

Queens University of Charlotte Honor Code As a member of the Queens University of Charlotte community, I will endeavor to create a spirit of integrity and honor for its own sake at Queens University of Charlotte. Academic Pledge: I pledge truthfulness and absolute honesty in the performance of all academic work. Community Pledge: I pledge to be truthful at all times, to treat others with respect, to respect the property of others,and to adhere to University policies. Accepting both the privileges and responsibilities of living by this code of honor, I resolve to uphold this code and not to tolerate any violations of its spirit or principles. E-mail: Students Queens University of Charlotte e-mail (Qmail) is an official form of communication for this course, and will be used to disseminate materials and provide updates in group and individual form. Please check your email regularly. University Closings / Cancelled Classes: In the rare occasion when it is necessary to close the university announcements will be made on TV and radio, and will be posted on the Queens web site, http://www.queens.edu. The best way for the Queens community to receive fast and accurate information about closings is to sign up for QALERT at www.queens.edu/alert. Remember, you must register as a new user each academic year, even if youve signed up in the past. NOTE: If classes are meeting but you feel that you cannot find a safe way to get to class, you should notify me as soon as possible. Intellectual Property Policy: Queens University of Charlotte faculty and students adhere to the Queens Intellectual Property Policy and U.S. Copyright Law . See Faculty Handbook, http://moodle.queens.edu, and the Queens University of Charlotte website at http://www.queens.edu.

COMM 680-681 DELIVERABLES THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM | THE MASTERS PORTFOLIO | THE CAPSTONE PROJECT Fall 2013 & Spring 2014 THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (Monday, January 13, 2014) The comprehensive exam may explore any of the theories and concepts covered in MA COMM coursework. The students in COMM 680 will collectively prepare a review list on MyCourses by compiling all of the theories and concepts covered in their coursework. All students are expected to provide items for this list. Program faculty may also supply items for this list if they believe it is not comprehensive. This list must be finalized and submitted to the instructor via MyCourses no later than Monday, November 4, 2014. This years comprehensive exam will take place on Monday evening, January 13, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Students will be assigned one of four grades on the exam: PASS with distinction, PASS, ORAL DEFENSE, or FAIL. A grade of PASS satisfies the requirement for this deliverable. The with distinction addition to the passing marks is reserved for excellence on the comprehensive exam. The grade of ORAL DEFENSE will be used when the exam does not fully display mastery of the program material. Students receiving this grade will be invited to complete an oral component of the exam with 2 assessors. The oral defense will result in either a grade of PASS or FAIL. A grade of FAIL, either prior to or resulting from an oral defense, will not meet the requirement for this deliverable. The oral defense, if required, will occur on Monday evening, January 27, 2014 at 6:00 pm. Students will be notified by January 20, 2014 if an oral defense is required. THE MASTERS PORTFOLIO (Monday February 3, 2014) Each student will create a digital portfolio that showcases your graduate work and the learning outcomes you have achieved throughout the program. You will creatively group and present projects and products created during your graduate course work to share knowledge and skills obtained in the program. While you will highlight proficiency related to a wide variety of communication concepts, the ultimate goal is to create a narrative that demonstrates your expertise in and mastery of a particular aspect of communication. A portfolio template is provided for you, but you may use your own style and creativity to develop a digital portfolio that expresses your needs and goals. You may change or alter any work that contains proprietary information to be included in the portfolio, and, if you choose, you may password protect or otherwise implement privacy controls on your site. Key components of the digital portfolio include: 1. Your identifying information (name, contact information, degree earned, date of graduation), and an aboutpage-style narrative or straight biography with image. 2. A complete listing of coursework completed toward your Masters degree (including course title, instructor, and term). 3. An introductory statement on the portfolio landing page that describes the portfolio and its purpose, as well as articulates your concentrated area of communication expertise (the culmination of your background, experiences, and graduate study). This statement should also be used to reflect on your experience as a whole in the Master of Arts program. Tip: Also Include a video of yourself that gives an your elevator speech. Why did you choose to attend this program? Why is it important? What have you learned and how will you apply your learning? 4. Responses to each of the Master of Arts in Communication learning outcomes. Each response should be a narrative of your growth in the area described. Responses should include: Examples of projects/products in this outcome. Key learnings, like the application of a theory in this area. Visually-appealing elements Embedded media/links/and other digital tools.

The portfolio should be set up and live as a working document no later than Monday October 21, 2014. As soon as you set up the portfolio, you should share the link on our MyCourses site, so that you and your classmates can give each other feedback on the portfolios leading up to the due date. The final digital portfolio will be due on Monday, February 3, 2014. THE INQUIRY PROJECT (Monday, April 7, 2014) Each student will design, execute, and present an inquiry project that showcases expertise in a particular communication concept, problem, or idea. These projects build upon ideas founded and work completed previously in the program. Whereas all student projects will follow a similar format, the implementations of these projects may take several forms. All projects should address a scope and scale worthy of Masters-level work in Communication. PART ONE: THE PROPOSAL At the end of COMM 680, all students moving on to COMM 681 will have a completed research proposal. This proposal will include the following elements: A complete and thorough introduction of the subject matter selected (see below. A typical page length for this section would be 25 pages). A methodology section that explains how the project will be implemented. This includes specificity about how data will be collected and assessed or presented. All methodologies should be well-grounded in a particular communication research paradigm (Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Applied, or Mediated). A typical proposal would include the following elements: Title, Abstract, Introduction (including rationale, literature review, theoretical framework, and research question), Methodology (including setting, sample, participants, procedure, data analysis techniques), a Concluding Summary (which addresses issues of limitations, author biases, and research implications), a full list of references, and appendices (IRB approvals, survey instruments, questionnaires, scripts, storyboards, or other documents as necessary). PART TWO: THE INQUIRY PROJECT The inquiry project builds on the proposal, and in most cases the written work of the proposal is an important component of the final project. The implementations are wide ranging in focus but will be of a scale and scope appropriate for Masters-level work. Student projects will likely exist in one of the following three categories to complete the project: MASTERS THESIS Quantitative, Qualitative, Applied, Mixed Method, etc. MEDIA PROJECT Documentary, Web curriculum development, etc. ACTION RESEARCH Practical or Case Based projects Each inquiry project will be held to the best practice standards of the category in which it resides. INQUIRY PROJECT DEADLINES Students are advised to seek feedback from the instructor and project advisor far in advance of these deadlines. All documents listed should be provided to the project advisor for at least one round of revision prior to the deadline. Deadlines for the inquiry project are as follows (all deadlines occur at 6:00 pm): Monday, September 30: A paragraph describing exactly what you will study and a research question. Monday, October 7: An written explanation of the methodology that will answer this research question. Monday, November 4: Completed literature review Monday, November 18: Full Proposal (tentative grade assigned) Monday, December 9: Final Proposals (grades assigned) Monday, March 24: Full Inquiry Projects (tentative grade assigned) Monday, April 7: Final Inquiry Project (grades assigned) Mondays April 14 & 21: Inquiry Project Presentations

COMM 680-681 DELIVERABLES DEADLINE POCKET GUIDE THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAM | THE MASTERS PORTFOLIO | THE CAPSTONE PROJECT Fall 2013 & Spring 2014 September 30, 2013 September 30, 2013 October 7, 2013 October 21, 2013 November 4, 2013 October 21, 2013 November 4, 2013 November 11, 2013 November 18, 2013 December 9, 2013 January 13, 2014 January 27, 2014 February 3, 2014 March 10, 2014 March 24, 2014 April 7, 2014 April 14 & 21, 2014 Research Question Methodology Discussion with Project Advisor Methodology Explanation portfolio working document live finalized review list in MyCourses glossary Draft Literature Review to Project Advisor for preliminary feedback Completed Literature Review Full Proposal to Project Advisor for feedback Full Proposal Final Proposal Comprehensive Exam (in class) Comprehensive Exam Oral Defense, if required (in class) Masters Portfolio Draft Inquiry Project to Project Advisor for preliminary feedback Full Inquiry Project Final Inquiry Project Inquiry Project Presentations

CAPSTONE MEETING DATES (in-class) September 9, 16, 23, 30 October 28 November 18 December 2 January 13 January 27 February 10 March 24 April 14 & 21 Investigating Research Paradigms Studio Meeting Studio Meeting Studio Meeting Comprehensive Exam Oral Defenses (times to be announced as needed) Studio Meeting Studio Meeting Presentations