ESSAY ONE: The informal reaction essay

Essay one (3 pages) is due in class on Tuesday, September 20th.
Bring one hard copy for me and another for the workshop.

Select a contemporary controversy involving mass media and its impact on society. The controversy you choose should reflect the connections between mass communication, media and society. (See links under “Media and Society” on our class blog for examples.)

Analyze and react to the conflict.

1. Describe the conflict/controversy and why it is important.
1. Give a brief summary.
2. Talk about why we should care.
2. Discuss the current debate surrounding the controversy.
1. Compare/contrast the opposing sides and their arguments.
2. Link the views to mass media. (ie. What conception of “the media” does each view represent? How does each side view the relation between society and media?)
3. Take a stand! Pick a side and argue for/against it.
1. Critique the view(s) you oppose – tell us why?
2. Propose your view – be sure to convince me why you are right!
3. Briefly discuss the consequences of your view.

This is a critical reaction/critical opinion essay. You should use at least two sources, but this is not a research essay. The bulk of the writing should be YOUR reaction to the issue, not what others think about it. Follow the steps above (adding an introduction and conclusion), and you’ve got an essay outline! (P.S. You still need to say what your sources are, but because this is an informal essay, you do not need to use APA style or include a bibliography.)