Final Research Paper/Project J320: Gender, Media, And Divers

Final Research Paper/Project J320: Gender, Media, and Diversity

Pick a media-related topic that you will research and analyze in relation to one or more of the concepts and contexts we have learned about this term. The topic could stem from current or historical events, a news story, or a media text you wish to analyze deeply. Your argument must incorporate at least one concept from the first half of the course (such as Social Construction, Ideology/Hegemony, Representation, etc.) and address at least one context from the second half (such as Gender, Race, Class, Sexuality, Ability, Age, Nationality, or Ethnicity).

You are expected to use a minimum of 6 outside sources, including at least three scholarly publications (academic books, chapters, or peer-reviewed journal articles). Class readings may support your arguments but do not count toward the source requirement. Your research process should involve consulting library resources, online databases, and credible sources, avoiding Wikipedia as a primary source. If unsure about your topic's scope or fit, seek guidance from your instructor.

Paper For Above instruction

The research paper is a comprehensive scholarly analysis of a media-related topic that integrates course concepts and contextual frameworks to offer a critical perspective. The paper's foundation rests on selecting a pertinent media issue—be it an event, a media text, or a societal trend—and examining it through the lens of media theory, with particular focus on dimensions of gender and diversity.

The essay requires a clear, insightful title that captures the scope of the investigation. The thesis statement must articulate a specific, compelling argument that guides the discussion. The introduction should outline the thesis and preview the main arguments, establishing the scope and significance of the research.

The body of the paper must be logically organized, with each paragraph developing a point supported by evidence from your sources. This includes detailed analysis of media texts, applying theoretical concepts such as representation, ideology, or the gaze, and exploring how these relate to themes of gender and diversity. Critical engagement with counter-arguments or alternative perspectives enriches the analysis, demonstrating depth of understanding.

In-text citations using MLA or Chicago style should be employed consistently to attribute all sources. The conclusion must synthesize your findings, reaffirming how your analysis supports the thesis and contributing original insights about media and diversity. The bibliography must list at least six sources, three of which are scholarly, formatted according to academic standards.

The paper should span 6-7 pages, double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins. Proper grammar, style, and coherence are essential, and the paper should undergo thorough proofreading to ensure clarity and professionalism. The overall evaluation will prioritize research depth, analytical rigor, organization, writing quality, and adherence to formatting guidelines.

Examples of topics can include analysis of gender portrayals in advertising, media stereotyping related to ethnicity, or representation of sexuality in television. The selected media and context should allow for meaningful theoretical application and critical discussion, contributing to a nuanced understanding of media’s role in shaping perceptions of gender and diversity.

Remember that originality and critical insight are valued. You should aim to produce an argument that advances understanding and stimulates thoughtful discussion about media's influence on diverse identities and social constructions.

References

  • Bourdieu, P. (1998). On the Cultural Reproduction and Social Reproduction. Sage Publications.
  • Collar, C. (2010). Media, Gender and Identity. Routledge.
  • Gill, R. (2007). Gender and the Media. Polity Press.
  • Hall, S. (1997). Representation: Cultural Representations and Signifying Practices. Sage.
  • hooks, bell. (1992). Black Looks: Race and Representation. South End Press.
  • McRobbie, A. (2009). Feminism and Youth Culture. Routledge.
  • Morley, D., & Chen, X. (2013). Media and Cultural Regulation. Routledge.
  • Van Zoonen, L. (1994). Feminist Media Studies. Sage Publications.
  • Wilkins, L. (2014). Media and the Construction of Race and Gender. Harvard University Press.
  • Wood, J. T. (2019). Gendered Media: The Influence of Media on Views of Gender and Gender Roles. Routledge.

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