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Communication 171 - Principe: Home

This guide provides students with tips and recommended resources for finding research articles on topics related to Mass Media & Society.

Get Help With Research

Live Chat (available during Luria Library virtual open hours):

Email: library@sbcc.edu

Zoom: make an appointment

In Person: stop by the Library on the West Campus during in-person open hours

Your Assignment

Media Literacy Project

You will conduct a case study on a current media issue or phenomenon that interests you. You will conduct both library research and some field research using methods covered in class. You will write a 3-4 page report, plus a references page (in APA style). 

Sources

You must use at least four scholarly sources/references from the Library to:

  • describe/explain the selected media issue, including any relevant context or background information, and
  • apply relevant mass communication theories or concepts to evaluate the pertinent individual, social, cultural, political, and/or economic impacts of the issue.

Topics

A few examples include:

  • gender portrayals in video games
  • racial stereotypes in film/TV
  • misogyny in television shows
  • body image in fashion magazines
  • social media's influence on women's body image
  • propaganda in the age of COVID-19
  • cancel culture
  • hashtag activism
  • advertising on social media
  • the effect of media consolidation on the news industry

More Research and Writing Help

If you need more help with your research, contact a librarian by chat, phone, email, or in person, or explore the library's online tutorials.

For writing help, contact the Writing Center in the Cartwright Learning Resources Center (CLRC). The Writing Center offers one-on-one tutoring and a variety of helpful support materials.

Ellen Carey

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Ellen Carey
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Contact:
Any of the SBCC librarians can help you! Use the online chat to reach a librarian right away during open hours. Reach me personally by sending an email, scheduling an appointment, stopping by my office in the Library (L133), or calling 805-730-4434.
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