Comm 125 FINAL PAPER OR PROJECT GUIDELINES For those of you planning to write a ‘traditional’ final paper for class, it should focus on a single research area of interest to you. This can be one of the areas we are covering in class (e.g., childhood development and the media; media violence; media, gender and sexuality; media, fear and emotions; media and stereotyping; media, health & well-being; political communication; or digital activism), or it can be on a media-effects topic that you are interested in, or familiar with from another class. The key is that it involve some aspect of media/communication effects on your area of focus. Once you have chosen a substantive area, your paper should consist of the following: 1. An introduction that states your topic and makes the case that it is interesting/important. For example, you might be interested in the potential effects of media representations of women on the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and/or behaviors of viewers. 2. Summarize the existing literature/research on your chosen topic. This should mostly be based on class readings and lectures, but should include at least one piece of research that we did not read in class. This additional piece or pieces can be an article referenced in the readings, something you read in another class, or something you found through a ‘Google Scholar’ search. In reviewing this body of research be sure to talk about the theories used, the data and methods used, and the general findings, including where these findings seem contradictory or incomplete, or no longer relevant. 3. Make your own, more specific argument, including what theory you are drawing on, what your research question or questions are, and what hypotheses you are interested in testing. For example, if you are generally interested in the effects of media representations of women, you might use ‘observational learning and modeling’ theory to hypothesize that watching strong female characters in science fiction movies (e.g., Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel) has positive influences on attitudes about gender equality and/or reduces gender stereotypes. State your hypotheses and the logic behind them as clearly and straightforwardly as possible. E.g., ‘H1: Viewing superhero movies with strong female characters increases support for gender equality in the workplace.’ 4. Describe how you might try to test your theory and hypotheses. This should include the following: a. What ‘population’ are you interested in testing this on? U.S. adolescents? All U.S. adults? High School students? b. What is your specific ‘independent variable?’ E.g., viewing the 2017 film, Wonder Woman. c. What is your specific ‘dependent variable?’ E.g., Responses to one or more questions that you think measure support or opposition to gender equality in the workplace. d. What is at least one ‘mediating variable?’ E.g., responses to one or more questions that measure gender stereotypes -that is you think watching Wonder Woman will reduce gender stereotypes, which in turn leads to greater support for gender equality in the workplace. e. What is at least one ‘moderating variable?’ E.g., you think that this hypothesized effect will exist for high school age girls but not older women, or for males but not females. f. Any control variables? 1 5. Describe in reasonable detail what method you will use to test this theory and why. A lab experiment? A field experiment? A panel survey? A social network analysis? 6. Describe what data you will use. E.g., if doing an experiment you would recruit 100 undergraduates from the University of Pennsylvania. 7. End with a brief conclusion about what you hope to find and why it matters. Your paper should be between 8-10 double spaced pages using 12-point type (approximately 2,500 to 3,500 words, not including your reference page or other appended material) and should be sent to me as a Word document. If you would like to collaborate with one or more of your fellow students on this paper, or if you choose to do a final project (individually or collaboratively) that is different than this (e.g., produce a public service ad intended to increase voter turnout by college students, along with a short description of the theory underlying your expected effect and how you might assess its impact) you must first get approval from Professor Delli Carpini. All papers or projects should be emailed to Professor Delli Carpini (mxd@asc,upenn.edu) by no later than 5 PM on Thursday April 29. Feel free to talk to your recitation leaders and/or Professor Delli Carpini if you have any questions. 2

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.