Purpose Our online public discourse tends to be argumentative and snarky. Often, social media is a breeding ground for trolls. There is a crucial need for more thoughtful and nuanced arguments that acknowledge and respect both sides while demonstrating why one is stronger than the other. This assignment is designed to help you strengthen these skills in your own writing. The hope is that those skills will help you contribute to a more civil online discourse. It will also help you gain some expertise in an interesting media issue.
Audience You are writing this paper for an academic audience, one that will appreciate your use of (and correct interpretation of) credible academic research. (See the “Citations” section below for more details on this.) You are writing as someone who is informed on your topic. Consider your audience intelligent, though perhaps not experts on your topic.
Expectations You will write a 4-5 page research paper that makes and supports an argument on a controversial issue regarding the media that is meaningful to you. It will be due to Learning Suite by the deadline at 11:59 pm. Any papers submitted later than that will be penalized for being late. Please carefully read over the grading rubric provided for you on Learning Suite and adhere to its guidelines.
Keep in mind that there is a difference between an argument and an opinion. As one of my BYU colleagues says, “An opinion is a taste, like your favorite pizza topping. But an argument is a claim that is backed up by credible evidence.” Make an argument, not share an opinion.
Selecting a Topic Do not merely report on some controversial news story; your topic should be a
Is the coverage of negative news generating compassion fatigue?
Is there bias in the media? If so, which specific type of bias?
Does screen time positively or negatively affect early childhood development?
Does the media positively or negatively affect politics?
Is digital music sampling an act of creativity or a cause for legal action?
One more thing: Please, for the sanity of the graders, avoid using the two most common topics: 1. video games and violence and 2. body image and the media. As always, your instructor is available if you need help.
Structure The first part of the paper (page one) should explore the strengths and weaknesses of at least two sides of the issue. When you cite the opposing argument you should include at least one academic source supporting that argument. Clearly state your position early on (i.e., first paragraph)—there should be no guesswork for the reader to determine what your argument is. You should use academic references to support your analysis, not personal experiences. The main body of the paper (pages 2-5) should be focused on building a case for your position based upon credible research and references.
The organization counts; it is essential to use previews to your main points early in the paper and clear transitions throughout. You should use headings to increase readability. You should also include course concepts (i.e., information from the readings or from class discussions) when appropriate for your argument. Including course concepts demonstrates that you are able to apply what you have learned in class to different media controversies.
Formatting This research paper should be written using conventional university-level research and writing standards. Proper formatting is important. Papers should be typed, double-spaced, using size 11- or 12-point Times New Roman font. Margins should be 1″ to 1.25″ on the sides with 1″ on the top and bottom. Your paper should have numbered pages (top right corner of each page) with a running header, a title page, and a References page. Delete extra spacing between paragraphs—even though Microsoft Word sometimes adds extra spacing in by itself. Please don’t play formatting games to meet the page requirements or you will be deducted points.
