MEDC 6000: Seminar in Media Communications

Course Description

In this course, students research and write a capstone project that serves as the culmination of their graduate study. Students are expected to synthesize and integrate the learning experiences acquired in the curriculum and to evaluate current media communications research topics relative to a particular area of interest. Students should seek to add to the body of media communications knowledge with all capstone research projects. Papers used in previous courses cannot be resubmitted or repackaged in order to meet the requirements of this course. However, it is acceptable to continue researching ideas which students may have pursued during their degree program, building on them to complete the large, comprehensive paper required in this capstone course. Students are encouraged to have their capstone research project topics approved prior to the start of class.

Prerequisites

Completion of all other graduate courses in program. This should be the last course taken before graduation. Any exceptions must be approved prior to registration by submitting a program option request to be signed by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Dean of the School of Communications.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Synthesize and integrate information, approaches, and skills learned from previous course work.

Develop and implement a research plan for the investigation of an issue of relevance to the student, to his or her major, and to the field of media communications.

Use critical thinking and research skills to complete a capstone project of approximately 75 to 100 pages, including a clear thesis statement, thorough literature search, methodology, addendum and bibliography.

Effectively critique and evaluate other students' work.

Understand and master writing skills necessary for preparation of written analysis, reports, and case studies including English grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, word choice, and syntax.

Use effective oral and written communication skills to present findings to seminar participants and School faculty.

Required Textbooks and Course Materials

Please go to MBS Direct to find the appropriate textbooks and other materials for this course.

Please be aware when purchasing your textbooks that the International versions of the text may differ from the Domestic (North American) version required for your course.

Course Activities

Class participation and discussions
Written assignments
75-100 page capstone research project

University Policy Statements

This course is governed by the University's policies, as published in the University catalog. They can also be found online at http://www.webster.edu/gradcatalog/policies.shtml.

Any student caught cheating or committing plagiarism may fail the class and be subject to further disciplinary action.

This syllabus may be revised at the discretion of the instructor without the prior notification or consent of the student.

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