ASSIGNMENT
Prepare a 1-page summary and expansion assignment on a theory from this week’s unit (uncertainty reduction theory or communication privacy management theory).
Section #1: Summarize
In section 1, you should describe the theory you are reviewing: Try to begin with a sentence that identifies the general focus of the theory. For example, define the issue being addressed or the theorist’s general perspective. The remainder of the first paragraph should identify the theory’s major points or arguments. For example, identify the claims the theory is making or the assumptions being advanced. As an alternative, you might identify the primary variables or “things” that a theorist examines, and summarize the relationship between those variables, according to the theory.
This first section is descriptive in nature. In other words, provide enough information to present the basic framework of the theory and all its important parts; you should not evaluate the theory in this section.
Section #2: Expand
In Section 2, you will analyze and expand on your points from the first section. You may draw connections to another theory in the lesson, identify weaknesses or strengths of the theory (think which contexts the theory’s claims do not apply), or consider practical applications of the theory. You could apply the theory to social or political events that have occurred. Expand your points in at least two ways. This section gives you creativity in how you want to approach it. I am most interested to see that you have critically examined the theory and demonstrated your knowledge of it.
Evaluation:
- Accurate and comprehensive summary of main points
- Insights into the theory (shows original thought)
- Clear, grammatically correct writing, effective word choice, careful proofreading
Direct quotes from the chapter are not appropriate for this extra credit assignment; your goal is to summarize and paraphrase rather than to extract specific phrases. Please do not include direct quotes in your 1-page paper.
You do not need to cite the text or online lesson in your references section.
