The purpose of this assignment is to have you focus on the underlying ideological perspectives that the media uses to portray social issues. Mass media include (but is not limited to) news media (e.g.

1.) Brief description of the article (5%)

• • Briefly (1-2 pages) tell me about the article – assume that I have NOT read it.

  • What is the author’s main thesis or point?

  • What is the context of the paper? Where did you find it (e.g., was it in the Winnipeg Free Press, Maclean’s, online magazine?)? Can you tell me anything about the author (e.g., a left or right-wing political columnist?)

2.) Discussion of ideology and key elements (10%)

• • What ideology(ies) does the author embrace? How do you know?

  • What are the ideological elements that are present in the article? You should be able to provide at least 3 or 4 elements. Any less, then you should choose a “meatier” article.

  • Please provide specific quotes to illustrate the presence of the ideological elements (in other words, show me, as opposed to tell me, why you think a particular ideology is adopted). 

3.) Grammar, spelling, and general writing style (5%)

• • Must be in essay format

  • Double-spaced

  • Include page numbers on each page

  • First person (“I” or “we”) is acceptable

  • Include a properly APA (7th Ed.) formatted reference page