Draw upon your analysis projects from Modules 1–6 and the feedback you received for improvements (and other module materials as relevant) and write a coherent paper using course material and bringing in new research.
You will need to provide additional analysis and extensive editing to create a cohesive paper, but you can use direct paragraphs and pages from your module project analyses, other relevant material from your reflection exercises, and short answer responses from the quizzes.
General tips and criteria:
Write as if the reader has no idea what you are talking about! It makes an incredible difference in the clarity of the analysis.
Be specific and develop your ideas
At least 15 pages in length (25 lines per page)
double-spaced, 12 pt font
Organization: Sugggested Format (not every category below has to be included. Organize your paper for coherence and the strength of your argument while addressing most of the below topics).
Introduction: Develop a theme for your paper by selecting one or more problems about the media and/or public knowledge covered in Module 1. Describe it/them and explain how the problem(s) relate(s) to democratic practices (informed citizenship).
Significance: Discuss why the problem(s) is/are significant or important. Explain why media content is important to public understandings of political issues, and provide examples from
Historical Development of the Public Sphere : Clarify the importance of critical analysis and diverse media to democracies. Assess the role of the Enlightenment and print communication/newspapers in the emergence of the public sphere and democratic practices in the United States, as well as cultural contradictions
Struggles Over Media Control: Describe the struggles for ownership and control of new media technologies among public interest organizations and commercial interests during the twentieth century as it relates to the current state of the media
Current Impact of Fake News: Assess current issues relating to “fake news” and fallacies communicated through media outlets and how they can underminine credible information to make sense of political topics. Provide examples from
Possible Solutions: Provide and develop at least one proposal to mitigate the problem(s) you discussed in the introduction to your paper. Possible solutions could include media literacy, changes to the Internet, breaking up media monopolies to create more competitive markets, reorganizing and/or expanding public media options, and/or something else based on your additional research
Conclusion: Provide a brief conclusion that sums up your argument and propose ideas for future research and/or policy changes.
ADDITIONAL Research Sources
Use at least one book written by an expert in the field of inquiry and/or at least 3 peer-reviewed articles to support your concluding argument.