Media Literacy Project
You will demonstrate your understanding of the role of mass media in the U.S. and its various effects on society. This project will help you achieve the three student learning outcomes of this course:
- Apply major mass communication theories to current media issues
- Conduct original research using appropriate mass communication research methods
- Evaluate individual, social and cultural impacts of mass communication
In addition, you will practice media literacy skills that will help you become a more critical consumer of the countless media messages you receive in your daily life, even beyond this class.
Task
You will conduct a case study on a current media issue or phenomenon that interests you. Then, make your voice heard by producing a piece of media that engages the public.
There are four parts to this project:
- PART 1: TOPIC PROPOSAL (1 per team) - due Friday, March 8
- PART 2: ISSUE BRIEF (1 per team) - due Friday, April 26
- PART 3: MULTIMEDIA EXPRESSION (one per team) - due Wednesday, May 1
- PART 4: IN-CLASS PRESENTATION (1 per team) - Starting Thursday, May 2
Sources
You must use and cite at least two credible sources for your Topic Proposal and at least four credible sources for your Issue Brief.
Topic Examples
- How news media influence social movements
- Cancel culture vs. freedom of expression
- The impact of AI on a type of media (music, visual art, etc.)
- The rise of news deserts
- The impacts of filter bubbles on news consumption
- Misinformation and conspiracy theories
