Overview
For this assignment, you will choose a popular culture example you want to analyze using ideological approaches learned in class. This can be a television/streaming program, a podcast, film, or game. You will write your second paper on the same example, if possible.
Purpose
The goal of the exercise is for you to consider how a particular media example plays a role in broader social constructions and ideas. This paper gives you the opportunity to use media analysis on a cultural example that interests you. In the process, you will apply critical and analytical thinking and explore the ethical impact of popular culture.
Length:
35 pages, double spaced, 1-inch margins
Sources:
Required: At least one scholarly reading from Unit 1 (journal article or scholarly book chaptergenerally not urls).
Required: Chicago or APA style: Use proper citations for sources and for your media example. See Purdue Ow (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.l for guidance.
Instructions:
Using information about Ideology and meaning (Nealon, Applequist, Castleberry, Hall) reflect on the following:
How does my chosen text utilize hegemony and/or counter-hegemony? Or, do an encoding/decoding analysis. Either way, make sure to do the following:
Describe the program, including the basic premise and details that are critical to your analysis (such as character, language, setting)
Illustrate how the program/film operates ideologically using details that function hegemonically or that are encoded.
See Castleberry or Applequist for models, but do your own explanatory work (i.e., dont define the theory by simply quoting).
Your paper must include:
A clearly articulated thesis statement
An introduction in which you establish your major lines of argument regarding the role the film or TV show plays within the larger structure of the media industry and the approach that you have chosen to analyze the text (hegemony/counter-hegemony or encoding/decoding).
A body that expands upon and provides arguments and evidence to support your thesis (see below):
Clearly define and explain the theoretical approach you are using
Draw on the theoretical approach to analyze the media text of your choice. Use the above questions under each option to hone your analysis.
Support your claims with details and illustrations that relate to your media text
Utilize the concepts provided in course readings and discussions to support your arguments and analyses
A brief conclusion in which you point to the political stakes and implications of your argument.
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Rubric
Pop Culture Paper 1
Pop Culture Paper 1
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Claim (thesis)
35.0 to >31.0 pts
A level
Persuasively establishes and supports central claim
31.0 to >28.0 pts
B level
Moderate development of analysis to support claim
28.0 to >24.0 pts
C level
Minimal development, partially substantiates claim, using uneven logic
24.0 to >0 pts
D level
Underdeveloped, provides inadequate substantiation to claim
35.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Analyzes pop culture example
50.0 to >45.0 pts
A level
Detailed analysis convincingly relates to broader media lit. concepts
45.0 to >40.0 pts
B level
Moderately developed analysis, shows uneven relationship to stated media lit. concepts
40.0 to >35.0 pts
C level
A mix of well-chosen and unpersuasive details from selected show or film in relationship to stated media lit. concepts
35.0 to >0 pts
D level
Does not adequately relate selected show or film to the concepts.
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Applies media literacy concepts
Please dont define the theory by simply quoting.
50.0 to >45.0 pts
A level
Effectively engages with theoretical concepts drawn from class materials
45.0 to >40.0 pts
B level
Moderately engages with theoretical concepts drawn from class materials
40.0 to >35.0 pts
C level
Uneven engagement with theoretical concepts drawn from course materials
35.0 to >0 pts
D level
Does not effectively engage media lit. concepts drawn from course materials
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Organization
20.0 to >18.0 pts
A level
Organized logically, ideas within and between paragraphs lead seamlessly to one another
18.0 to >16.0 pts
B Level
Organized logically, uses some sentence variation and transitions
16.0 to >14.0 pts
C level
Organized logically, but sentence and paragraph structure require smoothing
14.0 to >0 pts
D level
Contains missing transitions, short or incomplete sentences, and/or odd paragraph order
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Usage and mechanics
15.0 to >14.5 pts
A level
Contains no sentence-level or punctuation errors
14.5 to >13.0 pts
B level
Contains minimal sentence level and or punctuation errors that dont obscure meaning
13.0 to >11.5 pts
C level
Contains moderate sentence-level and/or punctuation errors that may occasionally obscure meaning
11.5 to >0 pts
D level
Contains frequent sentence level and/or punctuation errors such that meaning is substantially obscured
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Assignment criteria
10.0 to >9.0 pts
A level
Correctly and consistently uses written guidelines, citation, and assignment format
9.0 to >8.0 pts
B level
Generally follows written guidelines, citation, and assignment format with minor errors
8.0 to >6.0 pts
C level
Adheres unevenly to written guidelines, assignment and citation formats
6.0 to >0 pts
No Marks
10.0 pts
