should be a minimum of 5 double-spaced pages.Any opinions or positions you take must be supported by examples, research or similarly expressed opinions that either support or refute your opinion. If you quote or use excerpts from other articles, you must attribute them. We will have a discussion in class about the importance of attribution to ensure that you do not commit plagiarism, either inadvertently or intentionally.
Pick one topic for your report:
1) Explore and discuss the changing landscape of American media, both from an
economic and content standpoint. How have disruptions to the traditional business
models impacted the industry? Where do you believe media can succeed and where
is it failing? Do your research and feel free to take this report in any direction you
choose.
2) Explore and discuss the role anti-SLAPP legislation and sunshine laws plays in protecting
the rights of ordinary citizens to participate in the democratic process. Be sure to cite
some specific examples.
3) Explore and discuss how Hollywood (the motion picture industry) has perpetuated
negative stereotypes and how it also fostered understanding by busting stereotypes.
Cite films that accomplished both. Explain what likely contributed to both.
4) Explore and discuss the impact of television shows over the years to help society
confront and understand social issues that were previously considered unacceptable
for discussion on TV. Include at least four of the following TV shows in your report:
“All in the Family,” “Roseanne,” “The Cosby Show,” “The Smothers Brothers,” “Ellen,”
“St. Elsewhere,” “ER,” “Hill Street Blues,” “MTV.” You may also choose your own
shows, but they must be relevant, specifically, groundbreaking in one form or another.
5) Report on how Madison Avenue (the advertising industry) impacts self-esteem among various ethnic and gender groups. Does the image of beauty as projected by the advertising industry negatively impact and affect the lives of various groups. Some areas you might explore are anorexia, acceptance in teen circles, self esteem issues and racial identity issues. This has been a major topic of study for decades and you will have no problem finding material to cover.
6) Report on the impact of still photography in changing or fostering understanding of
social conditions. Be sure to cite several photographers, publications or specific
projects whose work had an impact. Also comment on whether you feel that such
work can have an impact today, given the billions of images we are subjected to each
year.
7) Report on the role of rap and hip-hop music as a form of protest and social consciousness music. Here are some areas you may cover in your report: the history of the medium from its early days to today. Why rap and hip-hop has remained relevant for the past three decades. How and why rap and hip-hop has become extremely popular across all cultures. The role of rap and hip-hop in addressing and speaking out against today’s social and racial issues.
