Informative Critique on Referential theory
One Informative Critic of One Theory in 1500-1600 Words (About 5-6 double-spaced, typed pages in length) (17%) (Due: Noon, Wednesday, March 1, 2017. One hard paper
copy at your professor’s office, COM-143 & Digital copy to “turnitin.com” via class Blackboard weblink)
You are required to write an informative critique of any one theory of communication. This essay should involve one and only one primary communication theory of your
choice from lecture materials (e.g., PowerPoint files and online lectures). Don’t use Jae’s theories of wealth and open communication/leadership.
This critique is designed to showcase your understanding of the chosen theory. An excellent critique often sounds like a serious, mystery-solving kind conversation and
includes a brief introduction of the theorist(s), theoretical assumptions, major variables and tenets, some research findings, and your admiration (e.g., it really
works/explains/predicts correctly/help control communication behaviors … ) and/or disappointment with the theory (limitations/faults) based on the criteria of
evaluating theory. I expect you to spend at least two pages explaining the chosen theory in detail and spend the rest evaluating the theory. You are also expected to
cite 3-5 specific comments, notes, quotes, or writing from the required textbook.
To earn the best grade, please closely consult with evaluation criteria that graders will use when evaluating your essay.
Late papers will be penalized one letter grade per day (A to A- to B+ to B to B- …). The paper will NOT be accepted via email or after 5 working days from the due date
(i.e., March 8, 2017). Deliver a hard copy to your professor (COM-143) by NOON or 12 PM by the due date (You can hand it in early; you can also ask your peer or other
to deliver it to me; you can also drop it in mail if you live out there). Slide it under the office door if you don’t see the instructor in. You are also required to
submit the digital copy of your paper to “turnitin.com” via a link established in Blackboard Learn. This is to combat any form of PLAGIARISM.
Shockingly Important Note: Without your digital copy in “turnitin.com,” you will receive “0” point for the essay.
Shockingly Important Note: An informative critique paper with less than 1500 words in the text will not be evaluated, resulting in a failing grade of F or “0” point.
At the same time, the essay is NOT expected to go over 1600 words. Any paper with 1601-1650 words will lose 2 points, 1651-1700 words 4 points, 1701-1750 words 6
points, and so on. The cover page and references are not counted as part of 1500 – 1600 words.
Your informative critique paper must have a cover page that includes, at minimum, title, your name, theory you critiqued, number of words, and date of submission.
You need to cite references. You can use lecture materials or text (Heath & Bryant, 2000, p. xxx; Littlejohn & Foss, 2011, p. xxx). You do not need to do additional
research beyond the textbooks and the lecture for the essay paper. For the critique paper, when citing sources or references, please follow APA (American Psychological
Association) style – 6th edition. One useful website to learn about APA style is: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.
Example of APA Style References (Your Text Books, PowerPoint files, Lectures)
Griffin, E. (2012). A first look at communication theory (8th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
Heath, R. L., & Bryant, J. (2000). Human communication theory and research: Concepts, contexts, and challenges (2nd ed.). New York: Routlege.
Lee, J. (2012, Jan.). COMM 1302 class 01 chapter 1 pt. 1. [Web lectures]. Retrieved from http://class.lecturecapture.uh.edu
Lee, J. (2014). Ch 1-Theory and research -Part1-Lee [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://elearning.uh.edu
Littlejohn, S. W., & Foss, K. A. (2011). Theories of human communication (10th ed.). Long Grove, IL: Waveland Press.
You can retrieve your paper from your professor (COM-143) when it’s graded. It will take about 3+ weeks to complete grading all the papers. Be patient! Each grader
will evaluate 60+ essays.
You will have one week to do so after the essay grade is posted. Please make an appointment with your professor for any concerns regarding your paper before the
submission or after the grading.
Your paper will be discarded promptly after the retrieval period of two weeks due to the physical challenge in the office.
(Evaluation Criteria) When evaluating your critique, GRADERS will focus on:
(Comments, if any)
1. Writing skills and proofreading
-Accurate spelling, punctuation, grammar
-Easy to follow, flowing, coherent
-etc.
Poor- Fair- Ok- Good- Very good
2. Introduction
-Attention getter, preview -Purpose, theme
-etc.
3. Body
-Presentation of theory -Theoretical assumptions
-Major variables -Major tenets
-Critique/evaluation criteria
-Use of supporting materials (examples, illustrations)
-Cites 3-5 specific theoretical/related materials from the textbook (Show that you read the relevant materials/chapter in the textbook thoughtfully!)
-etc.
4. Conclusion
-Summary
-Remarks/reflections (admirations, limitations)
-etc.
5. Overall impression
Grade
A+, A-A+, A, … to F
Scoring scheme for both informative critique and experiential essay papers (Slightly Different from the course grade scheme; Please also note the range grade.)
100
A+
76
C+
A-A+
97
C – C+
74
95
A
73
C
A- A
93
C- – C
72
91
A-
70
C-
B+ – A-
89
D+ – C-
68
87
B+
67
D+
B- – B+
85
D – D+
65
83
B
63
D
B- – B
82
D- – D
62
80
B-
60
D-
C+ – B-
78
0
F
No submission
Less than 1500 words
