ASSIGNMENT:
This assignment has two parts.
Part 1: Media plays a significant role in our society both past and present. It is all around us, from the shows we watch on television and the movies we see, the music we listen to, and the books and magazines we read each day. Television more so than any other medium achieves different goals from entertaining, informing, and educating. With that said, how has media affected race relations and perceptions of African Americans by the dominate culture (White Americans) throughout the last 100 years? List at least three historical stereotypes and one present stereotype portrayed by the media and define their specific characteristics (physical and behavior). While you describe those characteristics, briefly discuss how African Americans may view themselves based on consistent misrepresentations by the dominate culture.
Part 2: Do you agree those stereotypes were (is) for entertainment purposes only and do you believe those stereotypes have aided in racial hostilities throughout American history? Why or why not? Clearly defend your position with researchable facts not just opinions. Regardless of which position you take, you must provide specific and clear examples to support your analysis. Remember the media theories we’ve discussed and the films/links we’ve watched in class such as Bell Hooks can guide your analysis.
Remember everything has a beginning, middle, and an end. So organize your paper with an introduction (what you plan to write about), body, (write about your topic with facts and analysis and answer my questions), then summarize (reinforce what you’ve written about and final thoughts.)
GUIDELINES:
- You must submit a cover page (NO EXCEPTIONS). If a student turns in a paper without a cover page, I will deduct 20 points from their final grade on the assignment.
- Your name, title of the course, due date, and email address must be on the cover page. (see sample cover page on Canvas)
- DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. NO LATE PAPERS and I DO NOT ACCEPT EMAILED PAPERS. THERE ARE NO EXCUSES! Assignment is due at the beginning of class (5 minute grace period only, after that no papers are accepted). The student will receive an F on the assignment if it is beyond the five-minute grace period.
- Double spaced, typed, 12- font, and written in Times New Roman.
- 3-5 pages (anything less than 3 full written pages will not be read), however, no more than 6 pages will be accepted.
- You must use one media theory in your paper that supports your analysis and highlight the media theory you’re using.
- Reference page (does not count as one of the writing requirements). You must document any website, books, articles, etc. where you gather additional support for your analysis. I am not asking for a particular format.
-25 if there is no reference page.
- The cover/title page is NOT considered a page.
- This is not an English class; however, you will lose points for not spell/grammar checking your work or stealing space (more space between paragraphs than needed, wrong font, improper spacing). I am allowing you to double space the assignment but tricky margins or tabbing down to take up more space will hurt your grade. THINK, THEN REFLECT, AND SIMPLY WRITE YOUR PAPER!!!
- Do not just copy from the internet including Wikipedia. I want to read your analysis of the material. Obviously you may reference other sources that agree with your analysis but you must site them. You will receive an F if you engage in plagiarism and may be dropped from the class.
