Essay Homework: Critically Examine Through a Sociological Lens
Topic: Mainstream Media
In this homework you will choose a media item to critically examine through a sociological lens. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate your ability to analyze media context using sociological questions and concepts. This homework provides you the opportunity to both critically analyze a media item and develop a response or alternative version of this item that both incorporates your critiques and seeks an alternative representation. Your analysis and critique should incorporate theories and key concepts from this course including inequality, gender, race, class, social roles/socialization, etc.
Find a popular mainstream media item associated which represents race, class, or gender. This can be print or digital media that is one of the following:
i. An advertisement
ii. An article in a popular/mainstream magazine
iii. A newspaper article
iv. A popular YouTube video
v. A clip from a popular show on television
vi. A clip from a news program
vii. A social media page or profile
Using what you have learned in this course, critically analyze the social representations presented in the media content. Discuss how the media item reflects or challenges dominant values, norms, and social identities.
Write 2 to 3 pages analytic paper including an alternative representation of your media item.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.