Media Analysis #2

DUE March 20, 2024 (11:59pm, EST)
10% | 100 Points  

This assignment is designed to help you develop your skills in evaluating mass media content by analyzing a different types of media messages. Choose one of the below topics, and respond to it with as much depth of thought as possible.  Be sure to demonstrate that you have been studying the appropriate lesson(s), lessons applicable to the topic. Be sure to cite (quotes and/or phrases) the work that you are analyzing.  Be sure to provide complete source information. The format of your response may be any one of the following:

  1. a 1000-1500 word essay
  2. a 3-5 minute video (in which you talk and/or show items, such as images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)
  3. a 30-50 slide print presentation (made with Google Slides, MS PowerPoint, or something similar, that combines printed words with images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)

TOPICS:

  1. Examine The Plain Dealer‘s front page. Obviously, this is a digitized form of the paper, but note what makes it look like a paper printed work (the font, the columns, etc.). What other differences do you see between digital and paper versions of the newspaper. Many years ago, Ian Johanson, the Associate Publisher & Managing Editor for Wisconsin’s The Review/Sheboygan Falls News, told me that he didn’t think that the paper format of newspapers would ever go away: “People like to hold the newspaper in their hands, to be able to spread it out on the living room floor and read it.” (Since then, The Plymouth Review has merged with The Sheboygan Falls Newsand been retitled The Review) As of today, this paper is still printed on paper, on a  limited basis. Tracing the historical development of the newspaper, discuss its evolution—including what has improved and what has not improved. Note: you must also consider any lessons covered thus far that are applicable to this analysis.
  2. What is the difference between community media experience and personal media experience? Choose at least two types of media thus far covered in class and cite examples that support your explanation(s). Try to go into as much detail as possible. Be sure to provide reference/link information for the examples you select. Note: you must also consider any lessons covered thus far that are applicable to this analysis.
  3. Choose your favorite movie, or at least one that you really like (alternatively, you may choose a television show, as long as film styles are applicable to it). Discuss it in terms of film style—overall, what type of style is it (Formalist, Realist, something else)? In support of your analysis, provide small examples of typical shots, framing, acting, and so forth that are considered representative of that film style. Note: you must also consider any lessons covered thus far that are applicable to this analysis.
  4. Consider the Case Study Julie Powell and Blogging. What type(s) of print media has blogging replaced? How has it changed the nature of print media, especially in terms of convergence? Note: you must also consider any lessons covered thus far that are applicable to this analysis.
  5. Allen Ginsberg once stated, “Poetry is the one place where people can speak their original human mind. It is the outlet for people to say in public what is known in private.” (Literary New York) Bob Dylan once said, “A poem is a naked person… Some people say that I am a poet.” (American Songwriter) Consider the Case Study The Music Industry & Print in terms of media convergence and meaning—how is meaning changed with each music video provided in the case study? What remains the same? Note: you must also consider any lessons covered thus far that are applicable to this analysis.

EXTRA CREDIT #1 (20 points): (This is an idea from my nephew, Will, who wants you to know that he’s a Millennial.) Put yourself in a room without any media—no smartphone, no computer, no book, etc.. Do this for two hours. Then compose:

  1. a 200-400 word essay
  2. a 1-2 minute video (in which you talk and/or show items, such as images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)
  3. a 5-10 slide print presentation (made with Google Slides, MS PowerPoint, or something similar, that combines printed words with images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)

in which you describe what it was like to be without this media? Did “make it”? Why or why not? What did you learn about the ties between media, power, and culture in this experiment?

EXTRA CREDIT #2 (10 points): My nephew’s name is Will Robinson. To what television show was that name tied and why might he have been teased about it.

How to Submit Your Work to Me

You have several options:

  1. a 1000-1500 word essay
    1. Via KSU Google Document (see “How to Use KSU Google”).
    2. As a well composed email (sent to clrobins@kent.edu).
    3. As a document (PDF or a word processor document) attached to an email sent to me (clrobins@kent.edu)
  2. a 3-5 minute video (in which you talk and/or show items, such as images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)
    1. Via KSU Google Drive: upload it to your Drive account and then share it with me (clrobins@kent.edu)
    2. Via YouTube as an unlisted video
    3. Microsoft One Drive
    4. Dropbox
  3. a 30-50 slide print presentation (made with Google Slides, MS PowerPoint, or something similar, that combines printed words with images, quotes, charts, graphs, etc.)
    1. Via KSU Google Drive
    2. Microsoft One Drive
    3. Dropbox
    4. Convert the slides to a PDF and attach that to an email to me

Once I have received an email–either with the assignment attached or with notification that you have shared it with me–I will send you confirmation of receipt for that assignment, usually within 48 hours of receipt.

How Your Work Will Be Evaluated

Your assignment will be evaluated for clarity of thought expressed, and it must be thorough—fully responding to the topic. It must demonstrate critical thinking skills, particularly as they are tailored to the communication parameters of the medium/media under analysis (media literacy skills).

RUBRIC

An A level assignment follows the assignment directions fully.  It responds to the chosen topic fully, with demonstrated depth of thought and logic. The communication is coherent (clear images, complete sentences,…).  The communication has a professional tone.  The assignment demonstrates having gone through the lesson(s), as well as having thought deeply about the content of what is being taught.

A B level assignment follows the assignment directions fully.  It responds to the chosen topic fully, with some demonstrated depth of thought and/or some logic. The communication is mostly coherent (clear images, complete sentences,…).  The communication has a professional tone.   The assignment demonstrates having gone through the lesson(s), as well as having thought considerably about the content of what is being taught.

A C level assignment mostly follows the assignment directions, but not completely. It responds to the chosen topic, there is not much demonstrated depth of thought and/or  logic (the depth of thought is weak or vague). The communication is mostly coherent (clear images, complete sentences,…).  The communication has a mostly professional tone.   The assignment demonstrates having gone through the lesson(s), but not much more (not much thought put into it).

A D level assignment  barely follows the assignment directions.  It responds to the chosen topic, but the depth of thought is weak or vague, and it might wander off topic. The communication is sometimes incoherent, difficult to follow.  The communication may or may not have a professional tone.  The assignment does not demonstrate a lot of thought or having gone through the lesson(s).

An F level essay doesn’t really follow the assignment directions.  It fails to respond to the chosen topic in any sort of coherent and meaningful way.  Communication is mostly gobbledygook.