4. Media Analysis Short Paper (2).docx

COMM3210 Media Analysis Short Paper Read the article “Science vs Medieval Thinking” on our Moodle site. (Please read all the links posted. You will see, interestingly, that the initial link I provided has since become “unavailable,” and I had to then post a PDF.) Write a well-structured and well-developed essay (which means it includes a thesis statement and clearly organized paragraphs) in which you critically analyze (not summarize) the article and determine whether or not it is credible, and why. (These words are in bold as your stance in answering this question should be your thesis statement.) Performing critical analysis means you do not simply agree or disagree with the issue itself, but rather focus on the language the articles use to develop their arguments about the issues. You might consider word choice, tone, representation of data (or lack thereof), representation of expertise, use of images, use of the headline to invoke bias, etc. Use Kent Lewis’s chapters on “Questions,” “Argument,” and “Media” for these and other characteristics to consider in performing your analysis, and also consider the reasons for the edit and/or removal of the article from the Edmonton Journal’s website. Remember to use APA general essay style format and citation/references format and to avoid the common writing errors outlined in World and World’s Appendix A&B. Word Count: 1000-1250 words

Course Code: COMM3210 Media Analysis Essay Rubric

Content and Argument

Writing and Organization

APA Style and Format

Excellent

Excellent

Excellent

The response is based on a careful reading of the articles, or viewing of the videos The writer supports their

The response is well-organized with a clear thesis statement, flows logically, and clearly responds to the question.

The response fully follows APA citation style and format.

argument with well-chosen examples and detail from that week’s assigned

The post is so well written and engaging that it is a pleasure to read. The

materials.

response is two to three paragraphs in length and fully addresses the question.

Good

Good

Good

The writer has demonstrated sufficient understanding of the course materials and the question. The writer uses

The assignment is well organized; it contains evidence of a thesis statement and it flows logically. There is sufficient

The assignment generally follows APA citation style and format.

specific examples and detail to support their argument.

content to fully answer the question.

Sufficient

Sufficient

Sufficient

The writer generally shows their careful reading/viewing of the course material,

The assignment could have been more tightly organized and the thesis

The assignment has some problems with APA citation style and format.

although at times they could have used more detail and examples to support

statement could have been stronger. At times it wanders too far from the

their argument.

question, or the flow from one paragraph to the next is unclear. They may not have responded directly to the question.

Needs Improvement

Needs Improvement

Needs Improvement

The response does not draw on sufficient examples and details from the course materials. They do not

The assignment does not flow well. The thesis statement is weak. Spelling errors or grammar mistakes distract the

The assignment contains a number of errors with regard to APA citation style and format.

demonstrate a reflective and careful reading or viewing of the class material.

reader. The response does not fully address the question before

There are errors in their discussion of theory. The response may only be a

considering other material. The response may be somewhat brief.

single paragraph in length. Weak

Weak

The assignment fails to demonstrate the The response lacks organization. The student’s understanding of either the thesis statement is missing or theory involved, or the specific material ineffective. The wording is so awkward covered. The writer has not demonstrated their careful reading or

that it sometimes distracts from the argument. The response is too brief to

viewing of the course content. The fully answer the question, perhaps only response lacks critical supporting detail, a few sentences. The response may and does not demonstrate their mastery consist largely of quotes from the work of the content. The response is very with little interpretation. brief.

Weak There is little evidence that the student attempted to follow APA style and general format.

Grading for this assignment: A+ = All excellent (90-100)

Category Content and Argument

A/A- = Mostly excellent (80-89) Writing and Organization B/B+ = Mostly Good (73-79) APA Style and Format C+/B- = Good with some sufficient (67-72) C or below = Mostly Sufficient to Needs Improvement (60 – 66) D or below= Mostly Weak or Needs Improvement (<60)

Grade

Description