Page 1 of 1

ASSIGNMENT #1Exceptionality in Popular Media Critique

30 Points

Description: In a short reaction paper (no more than 6 pages double spaced), students will critically analyze the media’s portrayal of individuals with special needs. The paper will include an examination of a specific example from a movie, television program, news story, book, or magazine.

The following issues should be addressed:

  • The image/roles of exceptionality and how they were portrayed (e.g., positively, negatively) and/or the purpose the disability serves in the media selection (e.g., to evoke pity, sympathy, understanding, etc.). Specific examples must be provided.
  • Accuracy of disability portrayal.
  • Support for arguments through the use of information, ideas, and references from the course.
  • Analysis of impact of media/movie/book on public perceptions

At least one of the following articles should be used to complete your media/book review in addition to two references of your own choosing. These readings are accessible through the E-Reserve on the ELC.

Biklen, D. (1987). Framed: Print journalism's treatment of disability issues. In A. Gartner & T. Joe (Eds.), Images of the disabled, disabling images (pp. 79-95). New York: Praeger.

Blacher, J. (2002). Hooray for Hollywood: New feature film Pumpkin confronts sexuality and developmental disability. The Exceptional Parent, 32(5), 78-81.

Elliott, T. R., & Byrd, E. K. (1982). Media and disability. Rehabilitation Literature, 43, 348-355.

Longmore, P.K. (1985). Screening stereotypes: Images of disabled people. Social Policy, 16 (1), 31-37.

Rankin, J. L., & Phillips, S. (1995). Learning disabilities in the popular press. Teaching Exceptional Children, 27 (3), 35-39.

Safran, S. P. (2001). Movie images of disability and war. Remedial and Special Education, 22, 223-232.

Wolfson, K., & Norden, M.F. (2000). Film images of people with disabilities. In T.L. Thompson and D.O. Braithwaite (Eds.), Handbook of communication and people with disabilities: Research and application (p. 289-305). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.

Zola, I. K. (1985). Depictions of disability—Metaphor, message, and medium in the media: A research and political agenda. Social Science Journal, 22, 5-17.

15 points on rubric x 2 = 30 points

Description: In a short reaction paper (no more than 5 pages double spaced), students will critically analyze the media’s portrayal of individuals with special needs. The paper will include an examination of a specific example from movies, television, news stories, books, or magazines.

RUBRIC for Grading Media Critique
Exceeds Standard
3 / Meets Standard
2 / Minimal Proficiency
1 / Not Present
0
The paper addresses images/roles/purposes of exceptionality and how they were portrayed in the media selection with examples. / Detailed description in the context of the media with several specific examples / Detailed description in the context of the media with a few examples / Partial description in the context of the media with vague or few examples / Little to no description; no examples
The accuracy of the disability portrayed is compared to current definitions in published literature. / Includes comparisons from multiple perspectives with literature support / Includes comparisons from one perspective with literature support / Makes weak comparisons; little to no literature support / Does not make comparisons; does not include literature support
The impact of the media selection on public perceptions is analyzed. / Demonstrates consideration for impact on a variety of stakeholders* / Demonstrates consideration for one or two stakeholders* / Demonstrates consideration of impact one stakeholder* / Does not consider impact
The paper provides support for statements and arguments through information, ideas, and references. / Ideas adequately supported; Includes at least 3 references / Ideas partially supported; Includes at least 3 references / Ideas minimally supported; Includes less than 3 references / Ideas not supported; Does not include references
The paper is well written and uses APA format. / No spelling, typographical, or grammatical errors; Uses APA formatting / Two or fewer mechanical or APA errors / Four or fewer mechanical or APA errors / 5 or more mechanical or APA errors

*Stakeholders can include but are not limited to: policy makers, educators, community members, students, students with disabilities…