This graduate-level course is designed to develop advanced understanding and application of sport communication theory, research, and professional practice. Students are expected to engage deeply with course materials, meet deadlines, and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discussion.
1. Active Online Engagement
Because this course is delivered entirely online, student “attendance” is measured through consistent participation in course activities. Students are expected to:
- Log in regularly to Canvas
- Engage with weekly readings, lectures, and discussions
- Contribute substantive, thoughtful responses to discussion prompts
- Complete all assigned activities by posted deadlines
Graduate-level participation requires analysis, synthesis, and application—not surface-level commentary.
2. Assigned Readings & Preparation
Students are expected to complete all assigned readings before engaging in weekly activities. Readings may include textbook chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, case studies, and professional industry materials.
Students should be prepared to:
- Reference readings explicitly in written work and discussions
- Apply theoretical concepts to contemporary sport communication issues
- Critically evaluate arguments, methods, and implications
3. Written Assignments & Scholarly Standards
This course emphasizes professional and scholarly writing. All written work must:
- Be original and analytical
- Follow APA 7th edition formatting and citation standards
- Demonstrate graduate-level clarity, organization, and argumentation
- Integrate course readings and outside scholarly sources when required
Assignments include discussion papers, case analyses, research-based writing, and a final literature review.
4. Case Studies & Applied Analysis
Students will complete case-based assignments designed to connect theory with practice in sport communication contexts. These assignments require:
- Identification of key communication challenges
- Application of theory and research
- Strategic recommendations supported by evidence
Case studies are intended to simulate professional decision-making scenarios within sport organizations.
5. Research Development & Final Project
The culminating assignment for the course is a scholarly literature review intended to support future research or capstone work in the MAPC program. Students are expected to:
- Identify a focused, researchable topic
- Engage with peer-reviewed sport communication literature
- Demonstrate familiarity with theory, method, and scholarly conventions
This project should reflect sustained engagement and academic rigor.
6. Timeliness & Professional Responsibility
This course is structured to mirror professional communication environments. Late work is not accepted unless prior arrangements have been approved by the instructor.
Students are responsible for:
- Monitoring due dates
- Managing workload across the semester
- Communicating proactively if challenges arise
7. Academic Integrity & Ethical Scholarship
All work submitted must reflect the student’s own intellectual effort. Plagiarism, fabrication, or misuse of sources violates academic integrity standards and will be addressed in accordance with university policy.
Graduate students are held to a high standard of ethical scholarship, including accurate citation, responsible use of sources, and honest representation of ideas.
8. Communication & Professional Conduct
Students are expected to communicate respectfully and professionally with the instructor, TA, and classmates. This includes:
- Using appropriate tone in online discussions and emails
- Engaging constructively with differing perspectives
- Adhering to course and university policies
9. Flexibility & Adaptability
Sport communication is a dynamic field. Course content, case studies, or activities may shift in response to current events or emerging issues. Students are expected to remain adaptable and engaged as the course evolves.