USC COMM 534

FINAL PROJECT ASSIGNMENT

The final project consists of 2 components: 1) a presentation "pitching" some kind of online community to be developed, and 2) a written paper.  The two elements should be complementary.

* The paper:  Write a concise 10-15 page paper that demonstrates your understanding of the key topics within the four modules of the course, as well as their readings, class presentations, and class discussions.  Your paper needs to be well organized, and we suggest that you use headings and subheadings for sections.  You are welcome to develop your own organization, but to help you, here is a suggestion for the four basic sections: 

1. Start by examining a need that you seek to meet (this most closely relates to Module 3). 

2. Introduce your proposed community as the solution and describe and explain your proposed community (Module 1). 

3. Discuss the business aspects as they relate to your proposed community (Module 2). 

4. Finally, make informed/educated predictions about the future (Module 4) of your community and/or the related sector. 

Different approaches will find different balances between the four modules.  Remember that this is a graduate school paper, so use appropriate research wherever possible.  This paper is academic in nature and should be well thought out, analytical, etc.   [Business plan option: If you wish to prepare your paper in the format of a business plan, or use some other organization that suits your career aspirations, please present this desire to the instructors in advance so that we can provide additional instructions.]

* The presentation:  Prepare a 10-minute Powerpoint presentation that is designed to be a business pitch of your proposed online communities.  Pull from your paper as you desire.  This is your chance to "sell" the community, so use whatever conventions you have in your arsenal.  Be sure to include sections on each of the four main module themes, but you are not limited to that. Also, the class may have up to 10 minutes of Q&A with you following your presentation, pending time available in class, so be prepared to "defend" defend your ideas and assertions.

It is not necessary, but suggested, that your propose an online community that relates to some personal interest, is one you may wish to pursue in the future, and/or one designed for implementation by some other person or organization after this course is completed.  It is our experience that ultimately it is easier to succeed on topics for which you have knowledge, passion, or a financial, personal, or professional interest. 

The final project will be evaluated based on both the success of your project and how well you communicate your work to the rest of the class. *All papers AND presentations to be emailed to instructors before 5 pm 4/29.