An Essay

COMM 265G Relationship Analysis Paper

For this paper, you will analyze one of your own romantic relationships. Choose a relationship that has lasted for at least a few months so that your analysis will be easier. It does not matter whether you are currently in the relationship, if it is a past relationship, if it is a dating or marital/committed relationship, or if it is/was a good relationship or not.

The format of the paper should be essay style, with an introduction, transitions, body, and a conclusion. You must submit one hardcopy on the due date as well as an electronic copy. The paper must be typed, double spaced, and proofread for grammatical and typographical errors. The paper should be at least 3 pages pages in length (12 point font, one inch margins top, bottom, left, and right) not including a cover page or the reference page.

Part I -- Description a. Explain the purpose of your paper (thesis statement) and direction you plan to take (preview of the paper). b. Briefly identify your romantic partner and describe the nature of your relationship (how serious, how long you have known each other, where you met, etc.). Part II – Analysis

a. First, use the stages of development in romantic relationships (pp. 111-113) discussed in the text to describe your relationship (pick just two of the 5 stages that were most important to you to discuss). Describe two of the stages in detail, and then apply the stages to your own relationship. Provide specific examples of interactions/communication in your relationship to illustrate your points. If current concepts do not fit your relationship, provide a suggestion of how you would change the characterization of that concept to describe how it fits your relationship.

b. Second, analyze the relationship using one of the three relationship dialectics discussed in the text (pp.118-119). These include the autonomy/connectedness dialectic, the novelty/predictability dialectic, and the openness/protection dialectic. Define the dialectic in your own words, and then describe which pole of the dialectic is/was evident in the relationship. Support your discussion with specific examples of specific interactions. Part III -- Reflection Finish your paper by describing how using these theoretical concepts have helped you to understand your relationship. In doing so, briefly recap the main points of the paper and provide a closing statement.

Relationship Analysis Paper

Poor (1) Below Average (2)

Average (3)

Above Average (4)

Excellent (5) Weight

Relationship Description

The student does not describe the relationship or relationship history.

The student may identify the relationship partner, but does not give any information about the relationship history.

The student describes the relationship partner and gives a few details about the relationship history.

The student describes the relationship partner and relationship history and gives multiple, important details about the relationship history.

The student accomplishes everything from the previous category, but demonstrates unique creativity and/or thoughtfulness in the presentation. The description of both the relationship and the history is rich in detail.

3.5

Application of Stage Model

The student misidentifies the two stages, only talks about one stage, or the presentation is cursory. Examples are nonexistent.

The student may correctly identify the two stages of the relationship, but this is not discussed in terms of communication. Examples are minimal.

The student correctly identifies the two stages of the relationship. Examples are provided.

The student correctly identifies the two stages of the relationship. Communication within the stage is discussed. Examples are provided.

The student accomplishes everything from the previous category, but demonstrates unique creativity and/or thoughtfulness in the presentation.

3.5

Application of Dialectic

The student misidentifies the dialectic entirely. Or the presentation is cursory. Examples are nonexistent.

The student may correctly identify the dialectic, but the student may show a lack of understanding of the dialectics. Examples are minimal.

The student correctly identifies the dialectic, and shows an understanding of the dialectic. Examples are provided.

The student correctly identifies the dialectic. The dialectic is discussed in terms of communication. Detailed examples are provided.

The student accomplishes everything from the previous category, but demonstrates unique creativity and/or thoughtfulness in the presentation.

2.5

Reflection

The reflection is missing.

The reflection portion is cursory.

The reflection portion is adequate.

The student generates interesting and accurate reflections.

The student accomplishes everything from the previous category, but demonstrates unique creativity and/or thoughtfulness in the presentation.

2.0

Grammar, Presentation, Style

Student clearly does not follow the requirements. The student does not follow any standard conventions of writing. Grammar and typographic errors get in the way of comprehension.

Less than satisfactory presentation. Student does not adhere to the requirements. Grammar and typographic errors are distracting.

Adequate presentation. Proofreading is suspect. Student cites and provides a reference. Quite a few grammar or typographic errors.

Adequate presentation. Clearly has been proofread. Student cites correctly and provides a reference. Few grammar or typographic errors.

Good presentation. Clearly has been proofread. Student cites correctly and provides a reference. Extraordinarily few if any grammar or typographic errors.

2.5

Paper and Electronic version

One version is not turned in

One version is more than three days late

One version is two days late

One version is one day late Turned in on time 0.5

Reference Page

Is not turned in Has major APA mistakes and/or is more than three days late

Has a fair amount of APA mistakes and/or is two days late

Uses proper APA guidelines with only minor issues and/or is one day late

Uses proper APA guidelines

0.5

If the paper does not meet the minimum length requirement as stated in the instructions, 15 points will be deducted.

Name:_____________________

COMM 265G: Principles of Human Communication

Evaluation for Relationship Communication Analysis Paper

Level of Proficiency Weight Points

Poor (1 pt)

Below Average (2 pts)

Average (3 pts)

Above Average (4 pts)

Excellent (5 pts)

Relationship Description

3.5

Application of Stage Model

3.5

Application of Dialectic

2.5

Reflection 2.0

Grammar, Presentation, Style

2.5

Paper and Electronic version

0.5

Reference Page

0.5

Point Subtotal

Point Total (Subtotal x 2):

Comments: