Instructions:
For your Final Paper Assignment, select one of the topics provided below and write a paper at least 4-5 pages in length in which you thoroughly respond to the prompts in your chosen topic. Where appropriate, your paper should include screenshots of websites or other media used to illustrate your ideas and examples. All screenshots, photos, website links and any outside references should be cited in the APA format. These questions in each topic are only to get you started. Feel free to address additional questions that interest you:
- Developmental stages of mass media. How did the media evolve, from their origins in ancient oral traditions to their incarnation on the Internet today? What discoveries, inventions, and social circumstances drove the development of different media? What roles do new technologies play in changing contemporary media and culture?
- The commercial nature of mass media. What role do media ownership and government regulation play in the presentation of commercial media products and serious journalism? How do the desire for profit and other business demands affect and change the media landscape? What role should government oversight play? What role do we play as ordinary viewers, readers, students, critics, and citizens?
- The converged nature of media. How has convergence changed the experience of media from the print to the digital era? What are the significant differences between reading a printed newspaper and reading the news online? What changes have to be made in the media business to help older forms of media, like newspapers, transition to an online world?
- The role that media play in a democracy. How are policy decisions and government actions affected by the news media and other mass media? How do individuals find room in the media terrain to express alternative (non mainstream) points of view? How do grassroots movements create media to influence and express political ideas?
- Mass media, cultural expression, and storytelling. What are the advantages and pitfalls of the media’s appetite for telling and selling stories? As we reach the point where almost all media exist on the Internet in some form, how have our culture and our daily lives been affected?
*Remember to cite any outside sources in APA format and provide a corresponding References page.*
Rubric
CMS100 Week 6 Assignment Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeQuality and Organization of the Writing | 50 ptsExemplary-The paper is extremely well organized, makes excellent transitions from point to point, and makes no spelling or grammatical errors.40 ptsMastery-The paper is generally well organized with relatively smooth transitions from point to point and few spelling or grammatical errors. 30 ptsProficient-The paper is organized with somewhat smooth transitions from point to point; there are some spelling or grammatical errors.20 ptsEmerging-The paper is minimally well organized with minimally acceptable transitions from point to point; there are several spelling or grammatical errors.0 ptsNo Evidence | 50 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking/Analytical Skills | 50 ptsExemplary-Presents an insightful and thorough analysis of all issues identified: consistently demonstrates the use of critical thinking/analytical skills.40 ptsMastery-Presents a thorough analysis of most of the issues identified: consistently demonstrates the use of critical thinking/analytical skills. 30 ptsProficient-Presents a superficial analysis of some of the issues identified: minimal demonstration of the use of critical thinking/analytical skills.20 ptsEmerging-Presents an incomplete analysis of some of the issues identified: demonstrates little or no use of critical thinking/analytical skills.0 ptsNo Evidence | 50 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAchievement of Assignment Goals | 50 ptsExemplary-Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the goals of the assignment. The writer makes a clear and valid assessment of the issues, and successfully demonstrates knowledge gained.40 ptsMastery-Demonstrates an accomplished understanding of the goals of the assignment. The writer makes a valid assessment of the issues, and demonstrates knowledge gained. 30 ptsProficient-Demonstrates an acceptable understanding of the goals of the assignment. The writer's assessment of the issues is not fully developed, and/or the writer is unable to demonstrate the extent of knowledge gained20 ptsEmerging-Demonstrates an inadequate understanding of the goals of the assignment. The writer fails to provide a valid assessment of the issues, and/or fails to reflect knowledge gained.0 ptsNo Evidence | 50 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUtilization of Evidence | 50 ptsExemplary-Supplements paper with relevant, extensive research to support points made, and all references are cited correctly.40 ptsMastery-Supplements paper with relevant research to support points made, and all references are cited correctly. 30 ptsProficient-Supplements paper with limited research, and/or research does not fully support points made. References are not cited correctly.20 ptsEmerging-Minimally supplements paper with research, and/or research does not support points made. References are not cited correctly.0 ptsNo Evidence | 50 pts |
Total Points: 200