Interpersonal Theory Application Essay

Overview:

This course is designed to help you develop your ability to apply communication theory to your everyday lives. For this Theory Application paper, choose one theory from the “Interpersonal Division” and describe how it helps to explain a real life situation you have experienced. Be sure to describe:

(a) the theory you selected and the key components of the theory,

(b) what happened in your experience,

(c) how this experience does (or perhaps does not) illustrate the key components of the theory, and

(d) how your experience sheds light on the strengths or weaknesses of the theory.

The recommended length for each paper is 3-4 pages double-spaced.

Be sure to consult the rubric that will be used to assess your essays when preparing your work.

Please submit your essays through Canvas.

Detail:

Each application paper should include a summary (in your own words) of the ONE theory discussed in your textbook and an example of how the theory can be applied to a real-life situation.

Keep in mind that we will not necessarily cover all the theories before this paper is due, so you may want to read ahead and pick your favorites. Be sure to describe (a) the theory you selected and the key components of the theory, (b) what happened in your experience, (c) how this experience does (or perhaps does not) illustrate the key components of the theory, and (d) how your experience sheds light on the strengths or weaknesses of the theory.

Be sure to write about your own examples—do not use ones that were brought up in class (unless it was your own). A “real-life situation” is very loosely defined; think about interactions that you have with friends, family members, coworkers, teammates, and parents. Also, you can think about and describe situations from TV or movies that illustrate some application of theory.

Ask yourself: What insight does the theory provide to help you understand communication situations in which you have found yourself? What predictions does it make or advice does it offer for future activities? You should strive to integrate your explanation/overview of the theories and discuss the explanations through the particular real-life situation. Application and understanding of the theories should not be separate.

Remember, this course fulfills the University’s GCCR (Intermediate Writing) requirement. So, do be sure to put your best foot forward in your writing. Make sure your work is well argued (sufficient evidence is provided and warranted for each claim you make), well organized (include a brief introduction with a clear thesis and preview statement, ensure that body paragraphs are organized logically, and include a conclusion that summarizes the writing and recaps the thesis), and features good written mechanics (spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, term usage, proofreading).

Rubric
Theory Application Essay Rubric
Theory Application Essay Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent: the theory you selected and the key components of the theory are summarized.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent: what happened in your experience is summarized.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent: how this experience does (or perhaps does not) illustrate the key components of the theory is appropriately discussed.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent: how your experience sheds light on the strengths or weaknesses of the theory is discussed
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent: All claims are supported with appropriate warrant and evidence.
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization: Introduction includes an identifiable thesis and preview statement.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization: Body paragraphs flow in a logical manner with effective transitions.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization: Conclusion features appropriate summarizing statements and recaps the thesis of the essay.
5.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Mechanics: Essay features appropriate grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling, and term-usage, etc.
5.0 pts
Total Points: 50.0