Your essay should be a 5-7-page, typed (double-spaced, 12-point type, 1-inch margins)
discussion of one of the many examples of obstacles or barriers to communication
discussed throughout your text and in the lectures. First, select an example of a
miscommunication event. This can be something you have observed in your own life, in
the life of friends or family, or something in the news, or even a plot twist in a television
program that you perceive to illustrate miscommunication at some level.
Examples:
1. Strongly held attitudes that prevent people from really hearing each other.
2. A date that goes wrong because of communication style, gender differences
3. A groupthink example or process.
4. An interaction with someone of a different culture that doesn’t go well.
5. Misreading nonverbal communication cues.
6. A “white lie” that has gone horribly wrong
7. A misunderstanding via text, e-mail or other computer-mediated
communication
Your essay should take the following form, in this order for the most part, although each
section does not need to be of equal length.
● A discussion of the relevant communication obstacle or barrier drawn from
your text or the lectures.
● A description of the event, with a discussion of why you feel its negative or
ineffective outcome was the result of the communication problem discussed
in #1.
● A consideration of how the interaction could have been changed to increase
the chances of a positive or effective result.
● A cover page and separate reference page. (These do not count in the page
total. An abstract is not necessary.)
The essay will be graded based upon the degree to which you have included the points
listed above, its organization, the relevance and appropriateness of the example you
have chosen, the thoroughness and clarity of your arguments and ideas shared, and the
quality of your writing. These essays should refer to at least 4 authoritative and
legitimate sources aside from your textbook or lecture notes. Remember, just because
it’s on the internet does not mean it is of any use or even true. You may use your
textbook, but this does not count as part of the 4 sources. Any other sources you cite
should use APA (American Psychological Association) style. Do not use Wikipedia or
the canvas notes as sources and remember the URL for a website is NOT a suitable
in-text citation. Rather, use the author or organization and date, just like any other
source, with the URL in the reference list.
Rubric
Essay Paper Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
Page Requirement (5-7 pages)
5
pt
s
P
a
s
s
0
pt
s
F
ai
l
5
pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
A discussion of the relevant communication obstacle or barrier
drawn from your text or the lectures
2
0
p
t
s
P
a
s
s
0
p
t
s
F
a
i
l
20
pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
A description of the event, with a discussion of why you feel its
negative or ineffective outcome was the result of the
communication problem discussed in #2
2
0
p
t
s
P
a
0
p
t
s
F
a
20
pts
s
s
i
l
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
A consideration of how the interaction could have been changed
to increase the chances of a positive or effective result
2
0
p
t
s
P
a
s
s
0
p
t
s
F
a
i
l
20
pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
APA Format
1
0
p
t
s
P
a
s
s
0
p
t
s
F
a
i
l
10
pts
Total Points: 75
