For the the major paper in this course, you will write a 3000 word paper (approximately ten pages) that uses a combination of theoretical concepts and engagement with other scholars/critics to analyze a media artifact. Ideally, you should start with a subject which intrigues you, and select theories that interest you and complement one another. This will not only make your paper easier to write, it will make it more enjoyable to read. Keep in mind that you do not always have to agree with the theories you are using. Instead, your goal should be to construct a discussion that explores how a particular set of ideas can help us better understand some aspect of our relationship with media.
We are still getting acquainted with the major theories and concepts at this point in the course. Here is a very short list of some “approaches” that we have taken or will take so far in this course; keep in mind that there are many different theories and ideas and thinkers “inside” each of these approaches. You should explore. I will give you some tips how to do that.
Mass society theory
Propaganda analysis
Marxist critique
The Frankfurt School/Critical Theory
Cultural studies
Psychoanalytic theory
Semiotic theory
Feminist perspectives
Post-Colonial perspectives
Media ecology
(this list may be updated/revised through the semester)
Things to keep in mind:
• Choose an object to study that narrows your discussion. For example, analyze two or three movies or television shows in a franchise, not a whole genre.
• Construct your discussion using an outline that has a clear introduction with a thesis (pages 1-2), three to five supporting examples (pages 3-9), and ends with a conclusion that summarizes your main points (page 10).
• There’s no set requirement regarding how many theories you should draw upon. This is intentional – you should use as many of these as you have to in order to write a good paper. My advice is to settle on 1-2 theories or concepts
• The guidelines for the annotated reading assignments could be useful if adapted here. Defining (or re-defining), extending, comparing, contrasting – these are all approaches you might try to take in a longer paper. Arguing-against what others have already said, or what others think can be a stimulating approach. However it also can be tricky.
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