This 1000-word paper asks you to critically think through a message that is communicated to us through media (print, audio recording, film, TV, digital media, etc.). You will want to argue why this message is – or has been – culturally influential.
The Paper (50% of the mark):
The following outline demonstrates what’s most important to include in this kind of paper. This can be used as a model for outlining/organizing your own paper:
1. Your introduction should do the following:
a. Describe your message: What kind of message is it (song, film, speech, TV broadcast, etc.)? What medium has transmitted this message?
b. Who created this message? Who is the “sender” of it?
c. When did audiences (“receivers”) first encounter it? Was it automatically popular or did it become popular/legendary later?
2. Importantly, the introduction needs to state a claim for why this is an influential media message. This is normally written in one sentence at the end of the introduction and is often called a thesis statement.
3. The body (or majority) of your paper should offer several premises that suggest the importance of this message. These premises, which support your claim, will be backed up by evidence (researched sources).
4. Some things to consider in the body of the paper when thinking about WHY this message is powerful:
a. Is this an “old” or historic media message that still receives attention today? If so, how does it still circulate in contemporary culture?
b. Is this a message that has crossed over into a different medium (say, a book that is now a film or TV show)?
c. Does this message have global/international appeal or interpretations?
d. Has this message been used for multiple purposes (i.e., has it had commercial value if it was not initially a commercial message)?
e. [Insert your own idea here!]
5. The conclusion should end with a strong summary of why this media message has been a powerful one. Well-structured conclusions restate the initial claim in some way and reconfirm why the points made in the body support the claim successfully. Finally, there should be an overall, deeper understanding shown than in the introduction.