Directed
Individual Study
What is a DIS?
The catalog copy for the DIS states that it “involves investigation under faculty supervision beyond what is offered in existing courses.” It requires that you be of junior or senior standing and that you have an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher. It can be for 1, 2, or 3 credit hours.
What kinds of things can be done for a DIS?
The DIS often takes the form of some readings and some traditional academic projects such as annotated bibliographies, term papers, etc. For instance, one student was interested in pharmaceutical sales and wrote chapter summaries and several reflection pieces while reading the leading book in that area. However, the main advantage of the DIS is that it is negotiated between the instructor and the student. One student was interested in combining her communication studies degree and her marine science associates degree. We worked on a project involving aquariums and communication that also allowed her to find contacts at a variety of aquariums to assist her in her job search.
What are some past DIS topics?
Practical Issues in PR – student assisted with hosting a conference by negotiating catering, arranging transportation, creating welcome packets, etc.
Cross Cultural Communication – student used mission trip to Africa to study cross-cultural issues and create a multi-media presentation for large group meetings on campus and area churches.
Studies in Metaphors – student had an interest in rhetorical power of metaphors and selected theoretical readings and interesting examples of metaphoric criticism to create an annotated bibliography and summary paper.
Web Page Design – student designed web page using an instructor as the client. Found examples of good websites to review with client, corresponded with client, created website and made changes based on client feedback
Advance Communication Theory – student had interest in communication theory beyond the introductory course and read an advanced communication theory text while corresponding with faculty member via email and office conferences
How do I initiate a DIS?
You should identify an appropriate faculty member and then make an informal proposal regarding a DIS. Have one or two topics in mind that might be of mutual interest. Once the basic parameters of the project have been outlined, it is typically up to the student to draft an initial syllabus for the course. The proposal should include the following information
Name
ID number
Title of DIS and number of hours credit
Student GPA
Student class standing (number of hours completed)
Total number of hours student will be taking this semester (including DIS)
Course Objective:
What do YOU hope to get out of the course—what will the course accomplish
Course Rationale:
Why is the above important to you and why is it worthy of college credit
Methods of Evaluation:
How will you be evaluated? What are the key assignments?
The syllabus should include the student information above along with more detailed discussion of each assignment
What is it
When is it due
How will it be graded
How much is it worth
Student Name
####-##-#### (ID
number)
Total Hours: _________
Total Hours: 8 this semester
DIS: 2 Hours
GPA: _____
Course Title: Advanced Communication Theory
Course Description: This course will provide an in-depth look into a broad range of communication theories. An advanced-level text will be used and a high level of understanding and application will be expected.
Course Rationale: In a world where information is king, I believe the study of communication to be an invaluable endeavor. This type of study will not only give me more understanding of how and why people communicate, but will also help me recognize practical applications in every day life. These skills will be useful in the workplace, continued education, or wherever my next step will be.
Course Evaluation:
The DIS will make extensive use of Stephen W. Littlejohn’s latest
edition of Human Communication Theory.
This text is one of the most commonly used texts at the senior and
Master’s level. The following
assignments will be carried out while reading the text:
E-mail dialogue 10*15 weeks = 150 (75%)
Face-to-face meetings 10*4 meetings = 40 (20%)
Final Reflection 10*1 paper = 10 (5%)
Total 200 (100%)
Syllabus:
Main purpose of the course will be to read Theories of Human Communication by Stephen Littlejohn. Student will be responsible for reading and understanding one chapter every week. Evaluation will be based on a weekly dialogue via e-mail correspondence, four face-to-face discussions, and a short final reflections paper.
Dialogue from the student will include a brief summary of the chapter, comments or questions about the material, and possible applications of theories. Response from the professor will include any clarification of material, comments, and questions to ponder about the next chapter that might help guide the student. The monthly meetings will be a time of clarification and discussion, while the short paper will describe the student’s most interesting or useful theories and their applications in practical situations.
E-mail dialogue 10*15 weeks = 150 (75%)
Face-to-face meetings 10*4 meetings = 40 (20%)
Final Reflection 10*1 paper = 10 (5%)
Total 200 (100%)
Email dialogues: These emails or attached documents will be evaluated on their depth and probity of the chapter and the insights offered. They will also be evaluated by the quality of questions raised. Comprehension questions are fine but also look for synthesis and application questions, ethical issues and the like.
Face to face meetings: As with the emails you will be evaluated on your command of the material even as that is reflected in the types of questions you are asking. Preparation for the meetings will also be rewarded: questions, issues, examples, etc.
Final Reflection paper: This paper offers an opportunity to comment on what you’ve discovered through the journey. It also provides an opportunity to talk about large connections, the “so what?” questions that might be raised and the like. You also might comment on the text and the DIS experience. The paper will be evaluated on the quality of reflection and the quality of presentation: free of typos, well written, appropriately formatted and the like. The length should be 2-4 pages single-spaced and be submitted as an attached document.