Non-Traditional Thesis.

Catalog description

After completing coursework and comprehensive examinations, students work in the Communication Graduate Program culminates with enrollment in COMM 298 : Non-Traditional Thesis a three-part project that includes: a written Proposal for the non-traditional thesis, a written document that summarizes the non-traditional thesis, and a formal presentation and oral examination in which the student presents the completed work to his or her committee. The non-traditional thesis involves a study around an issue or challenge facing an organization or business with a media or public relations focus. It emphasizes both scholarly and practical application in line with the professional orientation of the Pacific Communication Department. The subject of the non-traditional thesis may be the student’s employer. Students complete the non-traditional thesis under the direction of a full-time faculty member, who serves as chairperson of the student’s non-traditional thesis committee. Two additional faculty members and/or industry professionals join the chairperson on the committee. A non-traditional thesis may take many forms, though all must be noteworthy for substance and artistic or professional quality. Non-traditional theses could include: documentary films and videos, slide programs, photo essays, feature or investigative article series, handbooks for professionals (e.g., the result of synthesizing and translating scholarly research), or magazine design and layout projects. The non-traditional thesis could be a well conceptualized magazine article series (for example, three 2.500-word stories) targeted to a specific publication. Such non-traditional theses must show both greater depth and breadth (conceptually, stylistically and in terms of quality of research) than any single assignment completed in a graduate level class. Prerequisites: Completion of 28 units and instructor permission.