A communication event analysis paper focuses on meaningful communication activity, describes it, and analyzes it using a relevant theory or set of theories. The "event" is a communication episode that involves significant interpersonal communication activity. The interpersonal event can be real or one presented via mediated communication, such as film or television.
The paper should include the following:
1. A summary description of the event, i.e., what, when, how the event happened, who was involved, and other pertinent descriptive information (e.g., where it appeared or occurred).
2. Presentation and description of an interpersonal theory from the weekly readings that will be used to analyze the communication event, as well as a rationale (explanation) for using the theory. (Textbook link is below)
3. Application of the theory to the event, in other words, analysis of the event using the theory or theories. A good theoretical analysis of a communication event should provide insights into that event that description alone cannot.
4. Evaluation of the theory's or theories' usefulness in understanding the communication event.
5. The discussion should introduce communication concepts from a theory appropriate for analyzing the event and then apply those concepts. For example, a communication incident might be meaningfully understood via small group theories and concepts (groupthink, coalitions), interpersonal theories and concepts (compliance-gaining, self-disclosure), organizational theories and concepts (culture, climate), and so on. This analysis should be specific (rather than generic), thus demonstrating your ability to interpret communication activity in terms of pertinent interpersonal communication theories and concepts.
Student will write a 5-7 page APA paper conducting an interpersonal communication behavior analysis of the 1987 film Dirty Dancing.The attached PDF below provides the prompt for which you are to conduct your analysis.
You will need to watch/view this movie in order to conduct your analysis.
1. Once the movie is viewed, you will conduct a film analysis* and present the findings to the class in the form of an 5-7 page APA paper.
2. You will apply what you’ve learned throughout the course INCLUDING communication theories. That means terminology and concepts learned throughout the course must be provided from the text and at least 3 outside scholarly resources. (The concepts I wish to discuss are outlined below)
3. Analyze the behaviors of the characters, as they relate to interpersonal communication, as well as provide suggestions for improvement.
A successful film analysis will include a minimum of 6 terms/concepts/theories from the text as well as from 3 outside sources with page citations.
**Please use the textbook attached in order to relate to COURSE concepts**
Because movies are often long, you can choose to pick main themes throughout the movie to analyze. In addition, you should discuss both effective and non-effective communication in the film and offer recommendations for improvement based on what you’ve learned.
Some of the interpersonal concepts you will analyze about this film will include: emotions, relationship dynamics, and trust/deception.
*Be sure to discuss these concepts from the course text which is attached below, as well as using 3 outside sources*
-Emotions: Chapter 8
-Trust/deception: Chapter 9
-Relationship dynamics: Chapter 12
Book: Gamble, T. K., & Gamble, M. W. (2013). Interpersonal communication: Building connections together. SAGE publications.
