Introduction／

Thesis & Research Project Development Workshop

Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: Luo Jialun Lecture Hall, 7th Floor, Dah Hsian Seetoo Library
Speaker: Dr. Renita Coleman (https://journalism.utexas.edu/faculty/renita-coleman) Target Participants: M.A. & Ph.D. students in the College of Communication

About the Speaker:
Dr. Renita Coleman is a Professor in the School of Journalism and Media, Moody College of Communication, at the University of Texas at Austin. Before earning her Ph.D. from the University of Missouri, she spent more than 15 years as a professional newspaper journalist. Her research explores how media shape public understanding through agenda-setting, race, visual communication, and ethics. She has published over 30 articles in leading journals, including Journal of Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, and Journalism Studies. Workshop Overview This one-day workshop guides graduate students through the key stages of developing a strong thesis or research project—from writing a compelling proposal to conceptualizing and operationalizing research ideas. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and Q&A sessions designed to help refine research focus, theoretical grounding, and methodological rigor. Participants who complete this workshop will be eligible to submit their proposals for the UAAT Student Research Fellowship Program. Program Schedule 10:00–12:00 | Writing a Research Proposal: Foundations and Structure Learn how to develop a coherent proposal, define research gaps, and align questions with theoretical frameworks. 12:00–1:30 | Lunch Break 1:30–3:00 | From Conceptualization to Operationalization Translate abstract concepts into measurable constructs. Includes hands-on exercises and small-group discussions. 3:15–4:00 | Interactive Q&A and Peer Exchange Engage in open discussion, receive feedback, and refine student project ideas.

Registration Information／