You will identify a topic within the domain of interpersonal communication that is of interest to you (GOSSIPING IN THE WORKPLACE), conduct a literature review of current research on the topic, identify a theory(RELATIONAL DIALETIC THEORY, RAWLINS)  that helps explain the topic, and summarize issues and perspectives from your research in a 7-10-page paper. Your paper should have the following sections: introduction, literature review (organized by heading and sub-headings), theory/theoretical framework (where you explain your chosen theory and connect it to the topic), and a conclusion.  Your literature review should summarize relevant research/studies on the topic, identify major themes, summarize the associations between and across a set concept/ideas, and present your argument as to What the problem is (your topic for the paper), Who it affects, Why we should care, and What we can do about it (… not necessarily in that order, but addressing those issues). You’ll do a mini, half-page version for the introduction, and then expand on that in the rest of the literature review. A good literature review also utilizes academically rigorous articles to construct a persuasive argument. Your paper should be typed (12-point font), APA Style 6th ed., double-spaced, and it should include a reference page for all of the research that is cited.