1] Each person will prepare a 3-4 page mini-term paper which reviews a topic concerning some subset of interpersonal communication. You may choose to investigate a specific theory, a specific line of research, or a specific topic. Topics are pretty open and there are thousands of potential areas to discuss. The attached articles are only examples of the types of journals and potential interesting subjects that are available. These are by no means inclusive of topics or articles.

2] Each paper should follow an approved format (e.g., APA, American Psychological Association; MLA, Modern Language Association, etc.). Journal articles or the texts can be modeled if you do not have access to a style manual. (11 or 12 point fonts only)

3] The paper must use at least three sources besides the text books (you don’t have to use the text, of course). At least two of the sources consulted must be from a published journal article. The bibliographies at the end of the texts are decent guides to such literature. The most likely journals to be relevant are typified by the examples that follow (although many sociology and psychology journals also have relevant resources (e. g, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology). Please provide a bibliography. Also, once you have a topic you can consult the Communication and Mass Media Complete in the Library Datebase services to find related articles of interest, or consult the articles you find in the bibliography of your main article.

1] The most effective strategy is to select a very narrow topic and do the research which allows depth in your analysis. Very generic treatments or topics will not be as favorably received. You will most likely find the initial topic you choose to be too broad and once you know enough about the topic, you can then focus your discussion on an even more narrow aspect. If you have a question about your topic selection, an appropriate direction to follow, or where to look for materials, stop by my office hours or by appointment and talk, but not until you have made an effort. If you are uncertain browse relevant journals, even consult the text book, or turn to patterns, or situations, you have notice in "real life." I know that each person in the class has thousands of "personal learning’s" about interpersonal which are interesting, have been written about or tested in the literature, and merit consideration.

2] The paper should: