Introduction to Graduate Studies In Communication
Assignment Sheet – Position Papers

Objectives: The purpose of this assignment is to allow students improve their academic writing skills and critical thinking skills. The assignment also allows students to develop an academic voice and an intellectual perspective on communication studies by synthesizing course readings about the discipline, and developing and defending a position.

Goals: By the end of this assignment students should be able to (1) identify a concise intellectual position derived from a specific set of readings; (2) defend a concise position within the constraints of a given page limit; (3) apply, synthesize, and critically evaluate course materials to a topic, issue, or subject of their own interest; (4) apply reading skills learned in the class.

Directions:

1. Identify a topic, issue, or question in the course readings that interests you.

2. Narrow down that topic to a position statement or thesis statement. A position statement is an argumentative stance on a specific issue.

3. Write a 5 page paper defending your position.

4. In your paper, make sure that you use adequate evidence from the readings to support your position without over-relying on readings so that readers lose your sense of voice.

5. Make sure that you title your paper with the exact same phrase as your thesis. In other words, your thesis should also be your paper title.

Grading Criteria:

1. Ability to draw concepts from the reading material into your essay.

2. Ability to demonstrate understanding of concepts from course readings, lectures and discussions.

3. Fit between synthesis or analysis and illustrations.

4. Thoughtfulness and insightfulness of synthesis and analysis.

5. Coherence of essay–ability to organize ideas and create an argument.

6. Writing mechanics.