Description
(social construction, CMM, perception, conflict management, nonverbal communication, or listening).
Application papers are designed to assess your understanding of a theory covered in class and your ability to apply the theory to your lived experiences. In other words, you will apply a theory you learned in class to your own experiences/observations. Ask yourself, how do you see theories operating in the real world? How can a specific theory help you make sense of an interaction, interpret the actions of others, and/or illuminate a social, interpersonal or organizational situation?
Instructions: Choose a theory and choose an observation or experience (just one observation or experience, to allow you to analyze it in sufficient depth). Then apply the theory to the chosen experience by explaining how the theory can help us understand the experience.
Grading Rubric: The paper will be graded holistically, using the following criteria:
Format:
____ 4-5 pages, Times New Roman, 12-pt. font, double spaced, 1-inch margins
____ Careful editing to avoid errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and citation
____ Voice of paper sounds cohesive
Citations:
____ Paper uses specific quotes from and references to the reading(s) (source citations). No need to incorporate outside sources beyond class reading(s), but you may do so if you wish.
____ All direct quotes include page #
____ All source citations correctly cited in-text and on reference page, using APA style
Theory and Application
____ Theory clearly explained: (1) overview of theory presented, and (2) explanation of core theoretical concepts
____ Experience or observation is explained well enough that context is clear to reader
____ Theory concepts and terminology accurately applied to experience or observation
____ Theory concepts adequately applied to experience meaning, theory is used substantially to discuss the experience, rather than just briefly mentioned
____ Theory used to explain or offer some insight into experience or observation
____ Paper demonstrates critical thinking
____ Application appears logical
Organization:
____ Paper organized in a logical manner, with an intro, body, and conclusion that advance some argument or point
____ Paper has central thesis which is defended with examples and interpretation
____ Introduction captures audience attention
____ Introduction contains clear thesis statement stating central claim made in paper
____ Introduction contains clear preview of what you will discuss in paper
____ Transitions made between ideas
____ Each paragraph contains 1 main idea
____ Conclusion contains clear summary of papers argument
____ Conclusion contains culminating statement or overall insight into papers analysis
