Media Analysis Essay
English 102 – Phillips
Topic: Mass Media
Purpose:
1. Develop a written analysis of some part of the media
New Skill to Learn:
2. Developing data for an analysis
Assignment
Develop a four to six (4-6) page unbiased analysis focused on some part of the media (TV, radio, the Internet, or another medium). Develop evidence/data to support the analysis.
Below, are a few possibilities for approaching this assignment.
Ø Watch two or three one-hour segments of politically focused TV shows, (i.e., CNN, MSNBC, FOX) on the same day. Analyze differences in the presentations of similar stories.
Ø Watch the same television station, talk radio show, etc. on two or three consecutive days @ the same time. Analyze the commercials presented during the show. Do the ads suggest a target audience? Does the target audience change on different days, or at different times?
Ø Examine characters presented in a movie, television show, etc.. Any stereotypes, gender biases, etc.?
Ø Students are free to approach this essay from a wide variety of perspectives. If there is a concern whether the approach chosen will satisfy the assignment ask the instructor before starting the analysis.
Requirements
Ø The essay must be more than four (>4) pages in length (excluding Title Page & extra spacing)
Ø The introduction summarizes the findings from the analysis
Ø A ‘methods’ paragraph(s) describing how the analysis was conducted
Ø Use basic APA conventions
Ø 1” margins, 12 point font (Times), left justified, title Page,
o body text begins immediately at the top of page two (no extra spacing at top)
o No extra spacing between paragraphs (consistent double-spacing throughout)
Ø Outside sources need identification but no References page or in-text citations are required for this essay
Ø Avoid the use of the informal ‘you’ (and variants), and gender-based language
Revisions
Multiple revisions of this essay will be accepted until the final deadline (see below).
Assigned: 9/13
1st Draft Due: 9/25
Ø 1st Drafts not following the stated requirements will be penalized per instance
Ø Late drafts
o (1 day or less) penalized 50%
o > 1 day will not be accepted
Final Deadline for revisions: 11/8
Ø Final drafts not following requirements will be penalized per instance
Ø Late drafts
o penalized 10% per day;
o >5 days will not be accepted
Draft = 20 points
Final draft 100 points