JRN 1101  ASSIGNMENT:  THE COURSE PROJECT/ PAPER

 

You will be divided into groups and assigned a topic from the list below. Your assigned topic correponds to your group number. For example, if you are Group 5, you will be assigned Topic 5 - What have been the effects on the music industry with the creation of free music download sites on the Internet?"

 

You must conduct research to gather arguments and evidence in order to present an oral report on the due date listed in the syllabus.  On that day, you must also turn in a written report that summarizes the oral presentation.

 

The topic you select is a controversial issue involving the contemporary mass media.  That topic has at least two different perspectives or points of view; quite possibly, you will uncover more than two viewpoints about that issue as you conduct your research.

 

Your goal is to present the issue in all of its complexity, explaining each point of view and explaining who holds that viewpoint.  Be sure to base your understanding on research you have done, not just your own personal opinions about the topic.

 

 

THE RESEARCH:  Some library research is required for this assignment.  You may use books and/or magazine articles.  Your written report must include a bibliography that contains at least two library resources that you have used in your project.

 

In addition, you may use Internet sites to collect information.  However, make sure those sites are legitimate and scholarly, not some individualÕs personal website.  For example, the website of the Parents Music Resource Center is a legitimate source: it represents the views of an organized group of activists concerned about the effects of media content on children.  However, the website of Joey M. Brown, a high school senior who uses his site to trash parents and the mass media, is not legitimate for this assignment.

 

If you gather information from Internet sites, list them in your bibliography.

 

 

THE ORAL PRESENTATION:  Your presentation should last a minimum of 15 minutes (should not run longer than 30 minutes).  You may include video clips (if you can locate them), transparencies, or other visual aids; however, visual aids are not needed for a good presentation grade.  What I do expect is a clear and thorough discussion of the topic, without a lot of repetition of ideas.

 

Begin your presentation by stating your topic and providing any background information that would help people understand it.  Then, discuss each viewpoint, one at a time. 

 

 

THE WRITTEN REPORT:  The written report is a summary of the issue and the various viewpoints you have discovered.  The length will probably be 3-5 pages.  Do not repeat everything from the oral presentation in this written report.  Likewise, do not simply read the written report when you give your presentation.

 

The report must be typed, double-spaced, with pages stapled together.  At the top of the first page, list the topic as it was given to you.

 

You must attach a bibliography that lists the library resources you used and any websites you used in gathering your information.

 

 

THE TOPICS:

TOPIC 1: Are violent television programs and explicit music lyrics harmful, especially for young children? 

TOPIC 2: Discuss 3 common themes in most magazines targeting young women. Cite those magazines

TOPIC 3: Should elementary schools and high schools restrict student access to controversial books? 

TOPIC 4: Has the implementation of online newspapers affects sales of print newspapers? 

TOPIC 5: What have been the effects on the music industry with the creation of free music download sites on the Internet?

TOPIC 6. Have PVRs (Personal video Recorders, such as Tivo) hurt the business of television advertising?

TOPIC 7. Has sensationalism in broadcast media affected support for US troops supporting war efforts?

TOPIC 8. Are American values shaped by the mass media?

TOPIC 9. Do video games encourage harmful behavior?

TOPIC 10. Is advertising good for society?

TOPIC 11. Are political/ military leaders to blame for misinformation in time of war?

TOPIC 12. Is negative campaigning bad for the American political process?

TOPIC 13. Should the public support freedom of the press?

TOPIC 14. Should freedom of speech ever be restricted?

TOPIC 15. Can the independent musical artist thrive in todayÕs music business?

TOPIC 16. Will print media survive in the current business environment?

TOPIC 17. Can privacy be protected in the Internet age?

TOPIC 18. Are people better informed in the information society?