Introduction to Communication Ethics

Final Essay Assignment

SAMPLE

Complete all of the steps below. Be sure to separate each step (indicating clearly which step you are addressing in each section). Be sure as well to address all of the “prompts” provided.  Suggested  length:  5-9 (double-spaced, typed) pages.

 

Step One:  Select one of the communication ethics case studies explored this semester. As concisely as possible, provide a narrative detailing the relevant facts in the case. Be sure the narrative is comprehensive, including enough detail to provide readers a clear understanding of the case (carefully avoiding inclusion of extraneous information). Be sure as well that the narrative is fair and representative of the diverse “voices” at the heart of the case.

 

Step Two:  Provide a concise overview of the communication ethics challenge at the heart of the case. In your overview, be sure to identify the decision maker(s) clearly. Be sure as well to provide thoughtful overviews of the competing values and conflicting obligations confronting the decision maker(s) at the heart of the case.

 

Step Three: Provide brief overviews of communicative choices available to the decision maker(s).  Be sure to include all viable options meeting the criteria for reasonableness and responsiveness outlined throughout the semester.

 

Step Four: Identify key values and beliefs shared by all members of the deliberative community. Be sure to include only directly relevant values, assumptions, and related beliefs of importance to deliberations in the case.

 

Step Five:  Identify the communicative choice you believe would best meet the standards of ethical justification explored throughout the semester.  Provide an overview of the most compelling support available for your choice.  

 

Step Six:  Provide a brief overview of deliberative partners’ concerns regarding your choice.  

 

Step Seven: Craft a complete argumentative essay integrating the information and insights presented in Steps One-Six.  To the extent possible, create conditions for dialogic engagement demonstrating that you have heard and understood deliberative partners’ perspective, values, beliefs, and concerns, and fostering the reader’s abilities to hear and understand what you are seeking to convey.  Be sure the essay meets the shared criteria and standards for technical competency and presentational skills, as well as the other guidelines for ethical and effective dialogue, advocacy, deliberation, and written communication explored throughout the semester as well.