Section B: Final Essay
Due: Week 11 in tutorial.
Worth: 25%
Length: 6-10 pages (about 1500-2500 words), 12pt font, double spaced, not including cover
page and bibliography. Papers must include a word count on the cover page.
Format: Must be in APA style for citations and references.
Notes: *Your cover page is the only page where your name should appear.
** You MUST attach your original graded proposal to the essay for our reference.
More on Sources/References:
You must have a minimum of 5 academic peer-reviewed sources, four from outside course
material, and at least one from course readings.
You may use up to three non-academic sources (for example, corporate or organizational
websites, newspapers, trade books) in supplementary research, but these do not count as your
academic references. Non-academic (non-peer reviewed) sources CANNOT be your primary
resources for your info. Media sources (newspaper articles, letters to the editor, TV clips, radio
broadcasts, podcasts, etc.) are encouraged and must be cited fully and correctly as outlined in
APA. For anything you access via the web, an access date must be provided.
While we require only a minimum of one source from course material, if other course material
has a direct relevance to your paper we expect it to also be included.
The essay is an exploration of a research question regarding a specific topic or policy issue in mass
communication. Through your research you will develop a thesis, you will explore both support
and counterarguments for your position, and come to a conclusion that is supported by the
evidence.
Survival Tips:
Do not wait to start your essay. Choose your topic early and stick with it.
Students are responsible for keeping a copy of your paper and all of your research notes until
the submission of the final grades to protect against misplacement of assignments.
Late submissions: will receive a penalty of 1 (one mark) a day for 7 days, unless prior
arrangements have been made or there is an emergency with documentation. After 7 days
assignments are not accepted without a documented reason.
Extensions: If you need an extension (due to a reasonable excuse like a clashing term paper)
please contact your TA or the instructor at least 5 days in advance. In other words, you must
plan ahead. No extensions will be given beginning 24 hours before the due date.
Use of Outside Editors: The use of outside editors to help students polish their written language is
acceptable under the SFU Policy on Academic Honesty (Policy S10 Student Conduct and Discipline).
Outside editors may be used for this course under the following conditions:
• The research, ideas and essay structure are your own
• ONLY copyediting has been undertaken to correct grammar, spelling and sentence structure
• The use of an editor is acknowledged at the end of the essay after the Bibliography (with contact
details for the editor used)
• Your pre-edited version of the essay is attached to your final edited version.
Any unauthorized use of an outside person to write your essay can result in an F for the course and
referral for plagiarism to the disciplinary process within the university.
