Directions:
Choose one of the following films/shows to watch: Spotlight, The Terminal, The Founder, Emily
in Paris (3 episodes), The Intern, Succession (3 episodes), The Devil Wears Prada, Unbelievable (3
episodes). After viewing/observing/analyzing (perhaps many times) this film (or episodes),
please respond to the questions below. Be sure to:
number your responses,
write in complete sentences,
fully address the questions asked,
be specific about the connection to concepts related to organizational communication
(focusing on the communicative connection/observations),
and site readings from our course.
In all cases, be sure to provide detail-rich examples from the film and from course readings to
support your responses. You may want to provide a few examples per answer. When in
doubt—give more information.
Please do not just say, “this is an example of [concept] because there are X and Y.” Make sure
to be specific about what you mean by [concept], refer to specific tenants that inform the
concepts (definitions via citations). Remember that this exam is to show depth in
understanding of the concepts from this semester. This assessment is designed to explore your
knowledge, comprehension, and application of course readings and in class discussions in how
they relate to your selected text. With all questions make sure to identify, define, and explain
concepts using citations from class. Your work is expected to reflect your individual (or
individual groups) effort (see academic integrity in the syllabus for further info). Answers will
be graded within the parameters and consideration of original contributions and thought.
Compose and save your responses in a Microsoft Word document. As with all assignments,
college level writing standards apply. Written communication will be taken into consideration
in regard to the quality (score) of each answer. Please double-space your document and
number your responses (no need to have an introduction and conclusion paragraph, just
number responses respectively). Submit your exam responses (a .doc or .docx file) to
Blackboard upon completion. Failure to upload in the appropriate file type means that I cannot
grade your document, and thus you will earn a “0.” Please prepare for this accordingly. The
exam is due via Turnitin on Blackboard.
Exam Questions are outlined on the following page: Please remember that 50% of each score
is dedicated to how well you define your concept (meaning define according to class readi
2
Exam Questions:
- What specific theories or concepts of organizational communication did you notice in
the film, answer with the following components (a & b)? (20 points possible)
a. Identify and define a theory/concept of organizational communication (from
any concept/reading covered throughout the semester and identify/define via
appropriate readings/definitions)—remember the triangle method.
b. Explain how each of the respective these aspects are communicated in the
film (for instance- dialogue, actions, lighting, music, actor selection, etc.).
Provide detail-rich examples to show the communicative connections to
concepts. - According to McPhee and Zaug, there are four flows of communication that constitute
organizing. Define the flows and then apply to your film using specific communicative
examples. (20 points possible) - How are organizational identities and our individual identities related? That is, what is
the role of organizational communication in creating, maintaining, and transforming our
identities, and vice-versa? Think about specific connections to course concepts (define
them) and then how are these concepts are realized/materialized through the
characters? (20 points possible) - What benefits or drawbacks does this film present in terms of portraying concepts we
have learned this semester in organizational communication? Support your argument by
explaining what people may learn, understand, misinterpret, or fail to comprehend
about org comm after viewing this film. This is where you get to apply your critical
thinking skills so be as specific and detailed as possible—and don’t forget to define your
concepts. (20 points possible)
Sample Solution
