Discuss/articulate how the media depicts a phenomenon; Discuss that phenomenon objectively; Apply the concepts/theories/perspectives/understanding you have gained in the course to your topic; and Compare/explain how the depiction in the media may/may not be accurate, skewed, or wrong, and why
Assignment Question
2: Critical examination of media depictions of criminal activities, events, or phenomena. This might include things such as the coverage or depictions of: Gangs; criminal acts; crime trends; white- collar crime; terrorism; and high-profile crime. I would prefer it if you kept your topic somewhere within these parameters. If you have ideas outside of these, I am certainly open to entertaining them, however, I would prefer that the basis follow these general guidelines. These topics are broad enough to allow you to focus specifically on something that interests you from the course. For each of these topics, the expectation is that you find explicit examples, articles, news stories, etc. in the media. Components: Each paper should ensure that they are applying the concepts, theories, perspectives, and understanding you have developed throughout the course to your topic. It is essential that your paper include the following: 1. Critical analysis: Remember, critical does not equal criticism. Here, I want you to do the following: Discuss/articulate how the media depicts a phenomenon; Discuss that phenomenon objectively; Apply the concepts/theories/perspectives/understanding you have gained in the course to your topic; and Compare/explain how the depiction in the media may/may not be accurate, skewed, or wrong, and why. i. This step in particular can allow you to further apply what you have learned in the course. Application of course content and material: This should be done in a meaningful way and not simply by way of regurgitation. Research: Your papers should include original, academic research. The intention is that you are utilizing resources that have a foundation in research. The basis for your paper should not be popular media sources, beyond the examples/depictions that you are using for purposes of your topic. you must write between 6 full pages, double spaced and 7 full pages double spaced. Every page below and above this guideline will result in a penalty of 10% per page from the grade you earn on the assignment. i.e. 5 pages or 8 pages would receive a 10% penalty. 4 or 9 pages 20% etc. Be aware, all essays are subject to similarity analysis as well as an analysis by Western’s new AI writing detection tool. Do not make this an issue. If you choose to complete the presentation option it should be at minimum 15 minutes and maximum of 20 minutes in length. Any presentations less than 15 minutes or longer than 20 minutes will face increased scrutiny. Format: The paper should be double-spaced, size 12 font, Times New Roman. The margins should not be manipulated and there should be no spacing between paragraphs.
