Subject Communications and Media
Topic Sociology: “Midterm Assignment
Type Coursework
Level High School
Style APA
Sources 1
Language English(U.S.)
Description Midterm Assignment:
MEDIA ANALYSIS
You are to investigate and compare coverage of one issue from both mainstream and alternative sources. Since youll be comparing reporting across sources, it is probably easiest to address an issue that is currently hot such as the war on terrorism, the conflict in the Middle East, corporate corruption scandals, same-sex marriage, the wars In Aleppo and other hotspots, affordable health care, women’s reproductive health rights, legalization of marijuana, or immigration issues.
- Read at least one mainstream print article from a newspaper or magazine. You may use online sources such as the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, newsweek.com, time.com, and so on. Attach a copy of the article(s) to your paper.
Please use online or print sources. Why? When watching television news, the images and language go by quickly. Thus, its difficult to fully reflect on what you are viewing.
- Next, investigate the same topic in at least two alternative print sources, ideally one on each side of the political spectrum. For example, you might choose articles from Mother Jones, The Nation, National Review, the American Conservative, BITCH magazine, or Z Magazine (in print or online). Please copy these articles and attach them to your paper. An Internet search can provide you with access to alternative news beyond those listed above.
Questions to Answer for Your Analysis
What are the key themes in the coverage? What are the differing arguments that you have heard? What are the recurring patterns in media coverage of this subject? How have the producers/writers/editors shaped the message(s) through words, images, or other means? What is omitted from their message(s)? In your view, do the messages accurately represent the totality of subject? Why or why not? In what ways does format matter and why? Does anything else strike you about the coverage that you read?
Once you have addressed these questions, link your analysis with your readings, class lectures, and discussion. Would you agree that the role mainstream media play in manufacturing consent is as this term is used by Herman and Chomsky (1988)? How are the ideas offered by Altheide (2002) useful? Be specific here and offer examples whenever possible.
Note: the name of the class is : Social Legislation & Social Policy. Thanks so much for your time.
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