Instructions
First, you are to select something that is of particular interest to you personally on which to write your final essay or outline. You can choose the format. This assignment will be emphasizing the oral presentation aspect more so than the written. This does not diminish the basic criteria for the written but should impress upon you the need to adequately prepare a focused, organized, and passionate delivery for your final in the course.
Next, ensure that whatever subject / topic you choose is clearly connected to our course content: Environmental Communication. In terms of your specific focus, there are a wide variety of potential areas of interest, including any and all of the content areas featured in our course textbooks. Of course, as you brainstorm, you should keep the criteria described herein in mind.
The written portion of your final should include at minimum a 2-3-page outline or essay, in full sentences, which will serve as your notes during the oral presentation to be delivered at the end of the course. You should pick the format that will be easier for you to present to the class. [For those who have taken Public Speaking (COM 1113) at PBA with Dr. Sowers, you are welcome to utilize the outline format provided in that course. If you want him to send you a template of that format / structure, let him know via email and he'll send it to you. We will discuss this and other acceptable written submissions in class.]
The overall essay or outline must be in APA format (margins, etc.) and the style guide must be followed for the Cover page and References page. As is always the case, the total page count does not include the Cover page and References. An abstract is not required. Your sources in the essay or outline should be clearly and fully cited, as well as smoothly integrated as part of the oral presentation. This requires advanced preparation.
Your essay or outline should be imaginatively written and well-organized, as well as include:
- An introduction to your central idea along with a succinct summary of the primary focus of your paper presentation,
- A personalized connection made to the subject matter (share your interest),
- References page which must include:
- Corbett (2006) text
- Hendry (2020) text
- Louv (2012) text
- A minimum of one recent academic, scholarly article from the library on your chosen topic
- You are also required to creatively and briefly mention the subject of:
- Your first paper in this course (the environmental figure), and
- The topic of your midterm paper.
So, think deeply about the ideas that we have discussed throughout the course. Strive to bring them to life through your own storytelling and research on your specific, chosen subject matter. You should make clear connections, share ideas clearly and fully related to environmental communication, explaining how it impacts our everyday lives.
Your presentation should be organized and well-prepared. Your delivery should display passion. Reading to us will result in a significantly lower grade. Each presentation should last 2-3 minutes and will be timed. Prepare and practice to meet the time requirement.
Be sure that your outline or essay and oral presentation incorporate ideas from the primary sources listed above. You should aim to paraphrase – in your own words – more than quote directly. Block quotes should be avoided entirely as this is a short essay or outline, with emphasis on the oral presentation.
Your essay or outline will be submitted twice. You will submit a hard copy (print one-sided) on the due date shown in Canvas. It should also be submitted electronically in Canvas as an MS Word doc/docx or pdf. Note: If utilizing a Mac, students must convert to one of these formats.
Assessment
The oral presentation of this project will account for 75% of your grade (lasting no longer than 3 minutes). The other 25% will be allocated to your written essay or outline and include evaluation of your ability to follow directions carefully.
Your oral presentation should exhibit advanced preparation by being very well-organized, exhibiting clear understanding of the concepts being shared.
Your professor will be looking for you to exhibit passion for what you'll be talking about during the few minutes of your presentation during class.
We will cover this project in our class sessions but be encouraged to see your professor early and often if you have any questions about any part of the guidance shown here. Professor Sowers is happy to discuss the details with you and even dialogue about your plans over time, but not if done at the last minute.