Third Writing Assignment: Race in the Media
Third Paper Assignment: Race in the Media
Due in class June 27th, 2005
Get more help in doing this paper.
As we will discuss in class this summer, media shape the ways in which we see and experience race and ethnicity. This paper will give you the chance to analyze a specific set of media for the ways in which people of a particular ethnic or racial group are depicted. In your analysis, you should pay attention to both editorial and advertising content. Your papers should make some sort of argument—places to start are thinking about how and why the media depictions look as they do or how the media affects other aspects of social life. However, be careful not to generalize beyond the media that you are reviewing. You should also think about questions for further research that your media generate.
Papers must be 4-6 pages long. They must be double-spaced in a twelve-point font (standard fonts are preferable) with one-inch margins. Remember to check your grammar and spelling and proofread your papers. All sources, including the media you review, should be properly attributed. Late papers will be penalized 1 point per day. You must submit a plan for your paper by Wednesday, June 8th.
You will be asked to fill out and submit the attached form by June 8th to guarantee that you can get one of your preferred choices. I will be working to ensure that a diverse set of media sources are represented in the class, and you are expected to have done some research prior to June 22nd (the class date on the media). On June 22nd, you can expect to be asked to speak informally for a minute or two about your preliminary findings.
Along with your paper, you must submit a few examples that you will discuss. If you are using print media, you will submit copies of articles, images, or advertisements. If you are using visual media, you will submit plot summaries or descriptions of ads. All media must be in English. Media should be dated between May 15th and June 30th, 2005.
Acceptable media choices include:
--A DAILY newspaper for five or more days, including at least one weekend
--Five different DAILY newspapers from the same day
--A WEEKLY newspaper or newsmagazine for three weeks
--Three different WEEKLY newspapers or newsmagazines for the same week.
--Three different MONTHLY magazines for the same month (men’s, women’s, fashion, home & garden, food, bridal, hobby, etc.)
--DAILY NETWORK newscast for five days (morning, evening, or nightly news)
--Three different NETWORK newsmagazines for the same week
--Three different NETWORK sitcom, children’s, drama, or reality TV shows—all three must be the same general genre
If you would like to do something that is not included above, please speak to me as soon as possible. Depending on the plan, I may approve it.
GRADING: This paper is worth 20 points.
1 point for turning in the selection form
2 points for being prepared to speak in class on June 22nd
2 points for proper academic writing style with introduction, conclusion, and citations/bibliography
4 points for selection and presentation of appropriate examples
4 points for development and presentation of an argument based on the media research
3 points for questions and suggestions for further research
4 points for the use of concepts and readings from the course
[back home]