An Independent Study, COM-499 undergraduate-level or COM-590 graduate-level, offers you the opportunity to investigate a topic in public communication you find particularly interesting. When I was in college and graduate school, I did several Independent Studies and found it both intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding to investigate a topic of personal interest. I encourage you to consider an Independent Study. ... Ron Smith
What is an Independent Study?
COM-499/590 is an opportunity for you to design your own course by selecting a
specific topic related to public communication, researching that topic, and
reporting on what you find.
What topics are appropriate?
In
general, you can use any subject related to public communication (integrated
communication, advertising, public relations, strategic concepts, etc.). Here
are some topics that have interested students: Credibility, public relations
and sports; crisis communication; sports information; public relations and
entertainment; advertising and ethnic minorities; public relations and
litigation law; creative problem solving and public relations; public relations
in Italy; public relations and law enforcement; intercultural/international
communication.
What kind of work will be expected of
me?
Together we will devise a research/writing program
appropriate for your topic. Generally I encourage both secondary research
(books, articles, on-line resources) and primary research (interviews). In
writing the report, you will present both the information you found during your
research and your own professional comments.
Where does COM-499/590 fit in my student audit
sheet?
COM-499 is an upper-level Communication elective. It also
could serve as an upper-level All College elective. On the graduate level,
COM-590 is a Communication elective.
How much time am I expected to give to an
Independent Study?
Plan on spending at least as much time on
this course as you would any other three-credit upper-level elective in your
major. Don't take COM-499/590 for an easy time. Take it because you want the
flexibility and challenge of independent-guided learning.
What is the role of the Independent Study
advisor?
I will work with you, helping to refine the topic,
giving continuous guidance throughout your research and writing phrases, and
providing final critique and evaluation.
How much supervision will I
receive?
I will offer continuing suggestions and feedback, but
you will be responsible for your week-to-week progress. You will provide me
with a brief semi monthly progress report on your research. Together we will
establish a flexible timetable of when the various sections and drafts of your
report will be due.
What am I expected to produce?
COM-499 results in a written report. As a rule of thumb, I suggest 25 pages for
each credit hour, so for a standard three-credit course you would write a 75
page paper. The final copy of your report should be bound so it can be added to
our departmental collection.
How do I register for an independent study?
1. Obtain from the Communication Department office the form
"Application for Undergraduate Independent Study."
2. Obtain a copy of the
standard independent study Letter of Agree from me (see sample
below).
3. Identify a general topic that interests you; talk with me
about this.
4. Do a little introductory research into your topic, then
write a one-page memo that provides an overview of your project, including the
topic and how you plan to deal with it.
5. Submit the application form, the
letter of agreement, and your memo to me for department approval.
6. After
departmental approval, submit the application form to the Registrar's office
during registration or drop-add periods.
Writing Plan:
Attachment outlining semester schedule of the student's
research plan, meetings with instructor, content outline, and writing
deadlines.
Required Work to be completed by the student:
Generally, the research report should be 20-25 pages per
credit hour reflecting the following considerations:
Schedule:
The student will negotiate with the instructor a specific
semester schedule. In general, this schedule should reflect the following
minimum expectations:
Grading Policy:
D - Submission of a written report of at least 30 pages with a
minimum of 20 sources
C - Required work for D grade with a report of at
least 40 pages, plus participation in scheduled meetings with the instructor
and minimally adequate use of sources, demonstration of professional
insight, and written presentation
B - Required work for C grade with a
report of at least 50 pages, plus research report that reflects
above-average use of sources, demonstration of professional insight, and
written presentation
A - Required work for B grade with a report of at
least 60 pages, plus research report that reflects superior use of
sources, demonstration of professional insight, and written presentation
I
- Incomplete grades will be considered only if the student has a valid reason
beyond his/her control for needing an extension and if at least 75 percent of
the project has been completed by the end of the semester.
Connect with Ron Smith's home page
http://www.buffalostate.edu/~ronsmith