Problem
Global Citizens Option: Thinking Critically about Current Events: Application of Sociological Concepts to the Media This assignment is designed to give students the opportunity to define, describe, and apply key terms or concepts in sociology to current events. Students are asked to address the problem of bias in the mass media. It addresses the FKL dimensions of Critical Thinking, Inquiry-based Learning, Human and Cultural Diversity, and Ethical Perspectives.
• Step I: Select a current event recently covered in print media such as a local or national newspaper.
• Step II: Reflect on the ethical considerations of the article you read, including its placement, framing, language, and possible bias. Additionally, consider the origin of the article: what is the local versus global importance of the story? Is this reflected in media coverage?
• Step III: Think critically about the news story you read, and select appropriate key terms or concepts, and provide definitions, descriptions, and applications of each key term or concept to the current event.
• Step IV: Generate a report or creative presentation summarizing your findings.