1] Each person will prepare a 2-3 page mini-mini term paper which reviews two research articles concerning some subset of interpersonal communication. Topics are pretty open and there are thousands of potential areas to discuss.

1] The assignment requires the selection of a very narrow topic and do the research which allows depth in your analysis. Also narrow the scope of your comparison point via the two articles. You do not have space for elaboration, make an argument about that comparison and make the take-away point. Generic treatments will not be as favorably received. You will most likely find the initial point you choose to make to be too broad and once you have thought through (talked through with willing sounding board) it will narrow again, usually improving a paper. If you have a question about your topic selection, an appropriate direction to follow, or where to look for materials, stop by my office or set anappointment and talk, but after you have made an initial effort. If you are uncertain about the general area browse relevant/recent journals via library on-line, 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 learnings" about interpersonal which are interesting, have been written about or tested in the literature, and merit consideration.

2] The paper should:

a. Up front, identify the major idea you are approaching with the two articles as background.

b. Most importantly you must do more than simply report - also provide your analysis and conclusions. Error toward putting the discussion is your own words, trust your own ability to make judgments and evaluations concerning research you review.

c. Select a topic regarding Interpersonal Comunication, not media for example.

d. What does an "A" paper look like: (1) is narrow and provides details (evidence) for your conclusion, yet provides some context (importance). (2) is presented in your own language; adding personalization and readability; in other words, it is your words and not so jargon laden or source dependent as to be impenetrable (3) develops a somewhat unique or fresh topic, (4) makes an argument, takes a position and defends it, does not just repeat what the authors you read said and (5) is written in an engaging manner. Can all this be done in one page, surely not, yet we now live in a world of information (everyone is a blogger) in which we increasingly communicate in briefer modes. Yes it can be done and done well by cutting out the chaff.

3] 15% of the grade