Media Analysis
Students are required to select a media account/text (e.g. articles in popular press, newspaper, or website.) and provide analysis with regard to the representation and coverage of some aspect of law, crime, or criminal justice. The article/coverage should no more than 3 months old. If you are selecting issues that are still unfolding), you may want to include more than one article to provide context over time. The discussion should be 6-8 pages (excluding title page and references) in APA style and should include at least two references to any of the texts/course readings. The analysis should include the following:
Discussion of the media account, general summary, discussion of how/where you found this, and why you chose it;
Impressions and accuracy. What impressions about the crime, the victim, the offender, the case in general or the workings of the criminal justice system does this coverage convey?
Representation of race/ethnicity and gender – Who is represented? How? Are stereotypes created and/or reinforced? Are there intersections with gender, class, etc.? How might this impact public perception?
The general role of media in shaping social perceptions of the criminal justice system and the implications for public policy;
Your perspective – your view of media representation and any possible recommendations
