The theme that we’ll be investigating for this learning unit is “Communication and Culture.” Therefore, the options from which you’ll choose your paper topic all relate to how various forms of communication shape our culture’s ideas and the resultant effects on individuals and/or the larger society.
Choose one of the following topics. You will then write a paper in which you incorporate your own analysis with information and analysis derived from research:
Write a paper in which you investigate the effects of one or two common forms of current electronic communication and interaction on social behavior and psychological development. These can include text messaging, blogging, online social networking (Facebook, Twitter, etc), role player gaming, etc. The goal of this analysis should not be to merely describe these forms of communication. Instead, you should seek to develop an analysis as to how they influence the way we think and interact in ways that go beyond that which is easily observed. For example, you may explore how these impact one’s perception of relationships, the concept of friendship, the distinction between private and public information, perceptions of privacy, etc. You may also consider how these impact non-electronic socialization (i.e. face-to-face conversations, public interactions, etc). These are just few of the social/psychological effects to consider. Allow your research and your own thoughtful analysis to go beyond that which is already well-known about this topic.
Write a paper in which you analyze the messages sent through popular culture (tv, film, music, advertising, trends, etc) about one particular gender. Discuss the effects of these messages on the social behavior and psychological development of younger people of this gender.
Write a paper in which you analyze how the popular culture influences ideas about beauty among either women, men, or both. Discuss the effects of these messages on the social behavior and psychological well-being of those addressed.
Write an analysis of the role of the media in American political discourse. This may include looking at how political discourse occurs on cable news programs, talk radio, the mainstream press, etc. Beyond that, however, it may also be useful to look at the intersection of comedy and political commentary via modes such as The Daily Show or The Colbert Report.
Research
You are required to utilize at least 3 quality research sources, cited properly via MLA Format. You are highly encouraged to avoid partisan or clearly biased sources. Instead, seek sources that provide thorough, probing, and intellectually honest analysis.
You are highly encouraged to seek out high-quality books or articles from the Academic Databases, as these will provide the best level of information.. Make sure that all of your online sources (from the general internet via Google searches, etc) meet the requirements as indicated in the lesson on “Determining the Legitimacy of Online Sources.”
If you do not engage in a sufficient amount of quality research, your paper will lack the intellectual depth to achieve the level of composition and critical thinking necessary for this assignment. Thus it is important to not only seek out excellent sources, but also to give yourself the time necessary to find them, read them, and decide on how to respond to these sources. Quality writing and thinking always begins with a quality research process.
You must include proper MLA in-text citations and a Works Cited Page in both the 1st draft and final draft of this assignment.
Paper Requirements
This paper must be typed, double spaced, font= Times New Roman 12.
This paper will be at least 1000 words in length. This generally equals at least 4 complete pages. This page count does NOT include the title page or Works Cited page. Do not exceed 10 pages. If you do not meet the minimum length requirement, you will not earn a passing grade on the paper..
Any plagiarism on this paper or any of the steps in the writing process will lead to immediate failure of this course, so please do not make that mistake.
You must utilize proper MLA Format, including MLA Format in-text citations AND a proper Works Cited Page. Without these, you cannot earn a passing grade in the course, no matter what your other assignment grades have been.
Required Steps:
1. Submit a 1st Draft of Paper #3 in the Assignments section of the course. This should be a completed draft, including proper MLA Format citations and a Works Cited Page.
2. Submit the Final Draft of Paper #3 in the Assignments section of the course.
On step one above, you will receive feedback and a grade that indicates credit for submitting the assignment. However, the grade is ultimately of less importance. Instead, the FEEDBACK provided by your instructor is of ultimate importance. Utilize this feedback to proceed in the writing process in order to develop a quality final draft that will earn a successful grade.
How is this paper graded?
Your paper will graded based on the following elements:
Proper essay structure, including a detailed, quality thesis statement.
Proper grammar, spelling, syntax, and sentence mechanics.
Proper academic tone.
A clear, thoughtful, sophisticated, and intelligent analysis.
The use of quality research sources.
Proper incorporation and MLA citation of research.
See the rubric that follows to review in detail how your essay will be assessed.
