Final Paper: Convince Me! You have 3 choices to do so....

To do so,
please choose 1 of the 3 topics/papers below. AFTER YOU CHOOSE
YOUR TOPIC, PLEASE READ THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS”
SECTION AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT

_________________________________________
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CHOICE #1:
Watch the film “Freedom Writers” OR “The Break-Up”

These films both display every concept we have learned about in class.

PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Once you’ve watched the movie and taken detailed notes, you have a
basis for your paper. Now it is time to formalize it. Below are the
requirements of the paper. So, you will now have to put everything
together to do the following.In other words, this is what you have to
do to get an “A”:

••
Accurately identify at least 2 concepts/theories learned in the lectures
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts/theories
identified, providing thoughtful responses to this research to back up
all claims in a thorough manner.

▪In other words – Explain and define the concepts/theories you

have identified using your research (citations!). • Demonstrate a
thorough understanding of the concepts/theories identified by using
accurate examples of how these concepts/theories are displayed in
the film. Explanations need to show a great amount of critical thought.

▪In other words – Support your claim that the scene in

the movie is displaying the concepts/theories you have
identified.

▪If applicable, based on your learnings from class;

explain what the characters may have done differently.

• Utilize ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Textbook• Lectures• 2 or more outside sources

▪Properly CITE ALL OF THESE SOURCES USING MLA Format to

accurately back-up ALL claims. Include properly structured
parenthetical citations and a works cited/bibliography page.
CHOICE #2:
Chat with a Senior Citizen

While the federal guidelines are changing by the day, the fact remains
that the senior citizen population has been among one of the top
groups in isolation due to COVID-19. For this choice, you will chat with
a senior citizen who needs socialization. You can video chat, talk with
them through a door (I've seen many people standing outside of clear
glass doors) or if you have a suggestion, let me know. Explain this
assignment to the senior. They will enjoy hearing about what you are
learning! And, you will be providing a great service to your community.
Ask them about how they are doing and how they are dealing with this
time. Ask them if they have ever experienced anything like this in their
lifetime.

Then, in your paper, apply concepts/theories to the context of your

chat and utilize examples from your conversation(s).

PAPER REQUIREMENTS

Once you’ve had your conversation(s), take detailed notes after each
interaction. If you decide to take notes during the interaction, just let
the person know what you are doing. You now have a basis for your
paper. Now it’s time to formalize it. Below are the requirements of the
paper. So, you will now have to put everything together to do the
following. In other words, this is what you have to do to get an “A”:

• Accurately identify at least 2 concepts/theories learned in the

lectures

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts/theories

identified, providing thoughtful responses to this research to
back up all claims in a thorough manner.▪In other words –
Explain and define the concepts/theories you have identified
using your research (Don’t forget citations!).
• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the concepts/theories
identified by using accurate examples of how these
concepts/theories are displayed in your interaction(s) or
anything that was discussed. Explanations need to show a great
amount of critical thought. ▪In other words – Support your
claim that the interaction is displaying the concepts/theories you
have identified. ▪If applicable, based on your learnings from
class; explain what you or the other person may have done
differently.

• Utilize ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: o Lectureso

2ormoreoutsidesources

o Properly CITE ALL OF THESE SOURCES USING MLA Format to

accurately back-up ALL claims. Include properly structured
parenthetical citations and a works cited/bibliography page.
CHOICE #3:

Observe the "new" culture surrounding us

Maybe you went to the grocery store or made observations about
what people are doing outside that differ from culture prior to the
COVID-19 pandemic. For this choice, you will pay close attention
to these observations. Then, in your paper, apply
concepts/theories to these observations and utilize examples of
then within the paper.
PAPER REQUIREMENTS
Once you’ve made an observation(s), take detailed notes after it.
You now have a basis for your paper. Now it’s time to formalize it.
Below are the requirements of the paper. So, you will now have to
put everything together to do the following. In other words, this is
what you have to do to get an “A”:
• Accurately identify at least 2 concepts/theories learned in the
lectures

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the

concepts/theories identified, providing thoughtful
responses to this research to back up all claims in a
thorough manner.▪In other words – Explain and define
the concepts/theories you have identified using your
research (Don’t forget citations!).

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the

concepts/theories identified by using accurate examples of
how these concepts/theories are displayed in your
observations. Explanations need to show a great amount of
critical thought.
 ▪In other words – Support your claim that the
interaction is displaying the concepts/theories you
have identified.

▪If applicable, based on your learnings from

class; explain what may have done differently in this
observation.

• Utilize ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:

• o Lectureso 2 or more outside sources o Properly CITE ALL

OF THESE SOURCES USING MLA Format to accurately back-
up ALL claims.

Include properly structured parenthetical citations and a works

cited/bibliography page.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRMENTS FOR ALL CHOICES

 Check and double-check! Use the writing center, the Library’s

LibGuide on “Basic Research Strategies,” review your
information literacy assignment and your MLA Guide to review
proper citation.
 3 1⁄2 - 4 1/2 pages in length (not counting the bibliography), using
11-12 pt font. Please – No more or no less than this.
 Double-spaced
 2 or more outside sources

How should I approach this paper?

Browse through the lectures/lessons from the course to refresh your

memory. While you’re watching the movie or thinking about your
encounter or observation, have a notebook in front of you. As you see
scenes/have thoughts that cause you to think about lessons, jot down
a bit about the scene/observation and what lesson, concept, or theory
came to mind when you watched/saw it. When you’re done watching
the movie/recalling your thoughts/observations, go back to your
lectures and think more critically about these connections and make
your notes more complete.

Other important items to keep in mind!

• Where applicable, please be sure to give a brief summary of the

scene/observation/encounter to which you are referring ( Please
don’t write more than a paragraph)

• Although this paper uses a mainstream movie and real-life examples,

at all times you should use scholarly writing and language
throughout the paper. Be sure to use the formal names of
concepts/theories used in the course. (i.e.: DO NOT say: “They
were poor listeners in that scene. So, I feel that they should have
listened better.” Another no-no would be, “He was so mean to
 her. So, I definitely think that should break-up”.)

o A good example would be (In this example, I’m using pretend

names/scenes. And, this is just a partial explanation of a theory):

In “x” scene, John is not displaying effective listening. According to

Inter-Act’s chapter, Listening Effectively, listening is, “the process of
receiving, constructing meaning from, and responding to spoken
and/or nonverbal messages” (Verderber and Verderber 196). From the
basic definition to the Active Listening Process outlined in this chapter,
John fails on all accounts. He is watching television while Janet is
speaking to him about a serious topic. Therefore, he is displaying poor
eye contact and is truly not physically and mentally ready to attend
(204). He interrupts her several times, clearly not making the shift
from speaker to listener a complete one, leaving no basis for
understanding the message being sent.

Selection of theories you can use to apply to this movie (If there are
others we have covered that are not listed here, please discuss with
me):

• The Communication Process• Culture• The Active Listening Process•

The Five Types of Listening• The Five Types of Conflict and Conflict
Management Styles • Verbal Communication • Nonverbal
Communication• Communication in Relationships (Johari Window,
Interpersonal Needs Theory, Exchange Theory)