Final paper
This assignment is an opportunity for you to connect all of the various group dynamic properties that we’ve learned about in class to real world group scenarios. Each student is required to write a 2-3 page paper (500-750 words) in which you connect your observations about one or more groups to class readings and material. You have two options when selecting the overall topic for the paper:
1. Focus on one group and examine it on 2-3 different dimensions. These dimensions should be specific topics that were covered in the lecture material throughout the class. The one group you choose can be a group that you are a member of outside of class or can be the group that you were a part of throughout the term within the class.
2. Choose 1 topic (ex. leadership, conflict, etc.) and compare and contrast 2-3 different groups. These can be political groups, sports teams, academic groups, etc.. There is no limitation on the types of groups that you choose and you can also compare and contrast groups from within the class.
You will be expected to cite 3 specific research articles throughout the paper. There is a list of research articles that are tied to the topics covered in class in the files section on canvas in a folder called “research articles”. You can use any of these articles or you can also search for and find your own research articles that are related to your topic. You will be expected to use in text citations and will also be required to produce a works cited page that does not count towards your page or word limit.
You will be graded on three criterion which are in order of importance (More information found in the rubric):
1. Quality of insight/analysis (40 points):
Is the paper thoughtful and insightful and are you able to effectively integrate all of the components that you are discussing in a way that demonstrates that you understand the dynamics that you have chosen?
2. Connection to Readings (40 points):
Was there enough papers cited and were the papers related to the topic being discussed? Were the citations done correctly? Is the paper connected overall to topics covered in class?
3. Quality of writing (20 points):
Is the paper tightly organized and easy to read? Are the