The purpose of this assignment is two-fold:
- To examine different theories of mass communication
- To analyse media (news articles, advertisements, new media) using mass communication theories.
A theoretical foundation of mass communication is essential for media literacy. There have been many theories proposed by scholars that attempt to explain the relationship between media and its audience. This assignment aims to broaden your understanding of the theoretical approach to understanding media.
To complete this assignment:
- Carefully review the theories described here. (Links to an external site.)
https://masscommtheory.com
Read Chapters 9 and 11 of your textbook, paying close attention to theories of media consumption.
The Assignment
Write a 500-600 word essay describing the media theory of your choice AND use this theory to analyze a piece of media. You can choose any theory from the list provided in the hyperlink above. You will need to do additional research on your theory. Provide at least two additional references that support your essay. These references must be from academic sources (FIU library, academic websites, journals). Please use APA citation for your references.
In your essay you should aim to complete the following:
- Describe the theory you have selected for this assignment:
- Who created it?
- When was it created/proposed?
- Has it been improved/changed over time?
- Has it been discredited?
- Are there theories that contradict/compliment it?
- Analyze any media of your choice using the theory you have selected:
- Your media can be one of the following:
a newspaper article
an advertisement
a social media post
a magazine article. - You will need to critically analyze the piece – break it down using the theory of your choice and show the relationship between the media and its intended impact on its audience.
- Your media can be one of the following:
- How is theory demonstrated in the piece?
- Is it informative?
- Is it persuasive?
- Is there a subliminal message?
- Provide a link to the piece of media, such as:
- Hyperlink
- Document
- Provide a reference page including:
- Provide at least two additional references that support your essay. These references must be from academic sources (FIU library, academic websites, journals). Please use APA citation for your references.