Assignment:
Two Approaches to Watergate: Summarize the arguments made in each of the two articles regarding the conduct of President Nixon. How might each of the author's views impact the reader's understanding of the Watergate crisis?
•Changing Views: Describe how the Watergate events changed American views toward politics and politicians. In your view, how did these events change the press coverage of politicians?
•Impact of Technology: Speculate about how the Watergate event coverage might have been different (better or worse) in the age of social media and smartphones. Would it have lasted as long? Why or why not? Are these innovations in technology helpful or harmful to the way that people understand current events?
Abstract
1 paragraph of no more than 250 words summarizing the main points of your paper. This Abstract must include items from all three steps of the assignment in 1-2 sentences for introduction, each step and conclusion.
Introduction
Introduce the topic in 5-6 good sentences; this MUST be different than the abstract. This is not a summary but an introduction to the topic in your own words.
Two Approaches to Watergate:
In 1 to 2 pages examine the Burch and Post Articles linked in the assignment description and comment on how each author approaches the issues of Nixon, his character, his position of president and the punishment he should face for his actions. Summarize each article's primary arguments and react to each of them and how it changes your view of Nixon and Watergate. Be sure to use at least three citations (paraphrasing preferable to direct quotation) from each article to support your response and comments.
Changing Views:
In 2-3 paragraphs, describe how the Watergate events changed American views toward politics and politicians. In your view, how did these events change the press coverage of politicians? Use two examples from before and after Watergate. Include the following items for depth:
Examine relations to politicians before Nixon IE: John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Grover Cleveland and then consider the lampooning of
Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama after Watergate. Use 1-2 academic sources for this step.
Impact of Technology:
Use your own experience, learning, and perspective to comment on how the Watergate event coverage might have been different (better or worse) in the age of social media and smartphones.
A. Consider the speed at which we receive news IE: We heard about OBL on social media before the US Government announced, or saw the Hudson River Plain crash on social media before the news.
B. Would it have lasted as long? Why or why not? Consider the use of twitter or other forms of social media as we see it today.
C. Are these innovations in technology helpful or harmful to the way that people understand current events? Use at least two examples for each component, one must be academic in nature, the other can be reflective or anecdotal. Must use a minimum1 academic source for this step
Conclusion
Restate your thesis/introduction and make sure to remind us, in your own words, of your main points. Wrap up your reflection with a personal thought.