MDSA10 Media Analysis Essay
Assignment Guide – Fall 2024
Theme:
A core component of, and inspiration for, critical media literacy is understanding what is at stake in the analysis we perform. as we engage media objects and the processes that enable them. Throughout the term, we have explored a variety of foundational elements that make up the media worlds we inhabit, as well as media objects used as points of critical analysis. In each textbook chapter and lecture guiding this work, a question has been implicitly or explicitly posed: “So what? ” Multiple media objects, practices, industries, and motives have been examined through this lens, emphasizing why media scholars and media consumers alike should concern themselves with a critical analysis of media and our media-saturated world.
Now, you must also consider these questions, “So what? Who cares? What is at stake in this analysis?” Drawing on lectures (primary and guest lectures) and course readings, construct a persuasive essay of 1000-1300 words that shows the reader why critical media literacy matters.
Instructions:
• Choose one theme/chapter from the textbook/course timeline that interests you.
• Along with the textbook chapter, choose 1-2 lectures, guest lectures,
and/or additional readings with which to support your ideas. You do not need to do outside research for this assignment.
• Describe your chosen theme or issue, demonstrating why it is an important area of scholarly attention.
• Articulate scholars ’ arguments related to this theme or issue, drawing on course content noted above.
• Choose a media object or practice as an example. Provide your own
analysis of this object or practice through the lens you have chosen from class.
o Use lectures and the course textbook as a model for providing
analysis (i.e., in both lectures and the textbook, specific media objects or practices are critically engaged, and your persuasive essay should do similar critical work with your own example) .
o You must come up with your own example; do not use one already analyzed in course lectures or readings.
• Conclude by emphasizing what is at stake in this critical analysis and why your reader should show the same concern you have regarding your chosen example.
Format:
• Your response should be in basic essay format, similar to an essay question on an exam.
• Your page should have one-inch margins, your essay should be double- spaced, and your text should be 12-point, Times New Roman font.
• In-text citations and Works Cited (for lectures and reading materials) should be in MLA 8 format. For in-text citations, use a page number whenever possible (when citing texts) .
o Note that citations and the Works Cited page do not contribute to the total word count for the essay.
Deadline and Details:
• The new due date for this assignment is November 28, 2024, 11:59pm.
• Submit your essay through Quercus Assignments as .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.
• TurnItIn will be used to analyze all submissions for originality.
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