CMN 455 Introduction to media study

Length: Approximately 5-6 pages (not including works cited), double-spaced, 1-inch margins,
12-point Times or Times New Roman.
Sources: You should have at least three sources. There should be at least one peer-reviewed
academic journal (might not be directly related to your topic), as well as popular press articles
from newspapers, magazines, or trade publications. If you are unsure if something counts as an
academic journal, please e-mail me. I recommend Google Scholar and the database
Communication and Mass Media Complete available through the UNH Library. Wikipedia
should not be cited—it can be used to locate other sources but is not an original reference source
for citation purposes. Be consistent with styles, both APA and MLA are fine.
Assignment Overview:
As part of your grade in this class, you are required to turn in a media analysis paper that meets
the following criteria. The paper should build on your first two writing assignments.
Make an argument about a particular book, film, television show, video game, or other media
product. Avoid extensive summarizing of content beyond what is necessary to develop your own
critical engagement with your media selection. Identify and explain specific issues, problems,
trends, etc. concerning your media selection and offer a well-formulated and well-supported
argument on the topic you choose. You should carefully analyze the media selection, applying
any relevant theory (not a priority in this introductory class) and arguments from any relevant
readings and from course-related discussions, as well as evaluate different perspectives on your
subject. If your topic concerns a specific problem, you are encouraged to offer potential
solutions.
To approach your topic and organize your critical analysis paper, you might consider utilizing
either the Center for Media Literacy’s 5 Key Questions (posted on myCourses) or the textbook’s
quite similar description of “Media Literacy and the Critical Process” (pp. 26-27).
Basic Grading Rubric:
Grammar and writing: 15 percent
Clarity of thesis/argument: 50 percent
Quality of Analysis: 25 percent
Proper citations in both final bibliography and parenthetical notations (APA/MLA): 10
percent

Some General Writing Tips:
Proofread – reading your work aloud and editing by hand from a printed copy is very
helpful! Do not trust yourself to catch mistakes on a computer display.
If you are having trouble with grammar, purchase a grammar book and/or visit the
Connors Writing Center, if you’re around Durham (it is open during Summer
Session). Be especially careful with commas, apostrophes, and run-on sentences.
Check all your citations, especially those in the text – when in doubt, cite it.
Remember:
▪ Not citing properly can be considered plagiarism! If you are unsure about
how to cite something, you can check the guidelines posted on myCourses.
There might be legitimate reasons to use “I” statements, at times, but for the most part
the use of first person should be minimal in an analysis (intro and conclusion).
Give proof for what you say. Don’t just tell me people use social media – give me
statistics from a study regarding the use of social media. If something is special or
different, show me how it is special or different. Show me – don’t just tell me!
Don’t make assumptions about ANYTHING.
Be careful of overstating – rarely is anything the “best,” the “worst,” the “first,” etc.
Things are rarely “always” or “never.”
Do not (don’t) use contractions in a formal paper.
Acknowledge the other side of the debate and consider other arguments. Be careful
not to let your personal biases prevent you from thoroughly considering all different
explanations and opinions on an issue.
The word “media” is a plural form of the word “medium.” Example: “The media are
corrupt” and NOT “The media is corrupt.”
Avoid extra-long paragraphs.
Structuring Your Analysis:
Before you begin writing, know your thesis for the media topic you want to discuss. Everything
in your paper should go toward supporting your thesis statement. Outlines are essential for
writing any such paper. Do not just sit down and write, without expecting to do a lot of editing!
Go through all your notes and decide how you want to your information before you write.
All papers should, at the bare minimum, contain the following types of information (not
necessarily in this or grouped this way):

Introduction to your media selection and particular issue, problem, trend, etc. you are
analyzing: use statistics, quotes and examples from sources to demonstrate what you are
talking about. Situate what you are talking about in history, as part of the mass media
landscape, part of a trend, etc.
Limited overview (brief) of previous writings related to your topic: what kinds of work
have critics or scholars done? What analyses or critiques, etc. have looked at similar
things? Give examples. How is what you’re doing different or building upon previous
critiques?
Analysis: You are encouraged to discuss what other people have said, but you are
ultimately expected to critically analyze the topic yourself and come to some conclusions.
Your purpose in this paper is to think critically and offer up an in-depth analysis. Think
about your topic in terms of media institutions, content, and audiences. While you will
most likely focus more heavily on one of these three areas than the others, you might take
into account all three in your analysis when appropriate. Be sure to explain counterarguments and opposing viewpoints. Address stereotypes and myths about your topic.
Use lots of examples, statistics, case studies, etc. to make your point!
Conclusions: What does your critical analysis tell us about your media selection and its
success or failure. You might also (if appropriate) want to think about what potential
solutions might exist if you are presenting something problematic related to your topic.
Works Cited: Cite every source you consult, whether it is quoted in your paper or not.
Use APA or MLA format.
Remember: There is more than one way to structure an argument and paper. What
matters is that you structure your paper in a way that makes sense to you and presents the
required information clearly to readers