Paper #2: Â Magazines or Newspapers
The Critical Process: The process whereby a media-literate person or student studying mass communication forms and practices employs the techniques of descriptions, analysis, interpretation, evaluation and engagement.
Choose one of the following two assignments:
Choice A:Â
Apply the mass media critical process from Unit 1 to at least two magazines and their accompanying websites with respect to content and message. You must identify each media and name, and answer questions about each. One magazine must be news related, such as Time, Newsweek, The Economist. The second magazine should be a special interest magazine of your choice (sports, fashion, tractors). Â (*60% of grade)
Now write a letter to a friend who is living in 2035 and describe the positive and negative effects of this magazine on its audience. (*40% of grade)
— OR –Â
Choice B: Â
Apply the mass media critical process from Unit 1 to the front pages of four sections of the same edition of a major daily newspaper on any particular week day. Typical sections include: national/international news; local news; sports; entertainment/amusements; classified advertisements; and neighborhood news. Note specifically details about the use of headlines, story placement, number of stories begun on that page, and any other relevant observations concerning design and use of space. Â After describing the front pages of those sections, compare the print version to the online version. Describe the differences and explain why the two editions are so different based on audience appeal and technological factors.Â