class reading and questions are attached below with the instruction please provide proper citations and credit Question Do the 'benefits' of internet use seem to outweigh the 'risks' for particular r

Module 2 Reading response

Each reading reflection should be a minimum of 4 pages (double-spaced) and should include the following components: a brief recap of the main points of that particular module, personal critical reflections and analysis, and the use of at least two other scholarly sources (NOT from the class readings). The minimum length of 4 pages does NOT include a title page or bibliography (which should be separate pages).


The recap may include a brief summary of the module as a whole OR it may focus on one specific topical unit (i.e. the specific lecture/reading on televangelism). Additionally, the summary should be relatively short and concise as the critical reflections are the most important component of this assignment. Students may wish to address the following questions: How do specific forms of media (articles, internet sites, TV shows, movies, or music) portray specific religion traditions? Are these portrayals accurate or do they reflect common stereotypes? How do religious traditions employ different forms of media? Is there a political component to these representations?

Format: Please format your submission using the following parameters: 12-point new times roman, default margins, and double spaced. Please include a title page with the course number, your name, student number, and assignment title. Also be sure to use in-text citations (MLA, APA, or Chicago are all acceptable) and include a separate bibliography. In-text citations are required for both direct quotes and paraphrased sections where you have included content from a source.

Instruction

Step 1 – Select a topic! You can either focus your attention on a specific reading/issue we have examined in class (ie. Representations of Islam in Western news media) OR you can deal with religion in the media more generally (ie. Representations of religion in news media).

Step 2 – Summarize some of the main conclusions about your topic that we have discussed in class (ie. Common stereotypes or inaccuracies that one can find in media depictions, general themes that one can locate in media presentations, other connections to political or economic issues, etc.).

Step 3 – Locate two other scholarly sources on your issue using the UofM library webpage. You can do a general search or look specifically at journal articles (ie. using e-databases like JSTOR or EBSCO). Find a source that will contribute to your selected topic (ie. a scholarly article on representations of Islam in the media). Read through the source and explain the main conclusions. Consider the following questions: does your source agree or disagree with the general conclusions you made in step 2? Why or why not?

Step 4 – Critical Analysis: you want to analyze the material and provide your own critique. Here you will want to use at least one or two specific media examples to support your discussion and analysis (ie. find some news stories that make reference to Islam and explain how they reflect your conclusions from steps 2 and 3). Here you could discuss specific stereotypes that you outlined in step 2 but expand on why they are problematic (ie. determine/influence viewer opinions) or how they can be inaccurate.


*You are welcome to use the scholarly articles we have used in class but you must find at least TWOs additional scholarly articles or books for these assignments.

*You give credit to any information needed.


Question

As we have discussed in lecture, the format for each reading response is essentially the same but your content and analysis will differ depending on the specific media focus. For example, for the second reading response, you want to focus on internet use within religious communities. We have addressed several key issues/questions in class but here are some things to consider in your response:

  • Do the 'benefits' of internet use seem to outweigh the 'risks' for particular religious communities?

  • Why do some religious communities seem to have more concerns with internet usage than others? 

  • How does the lack of regulation on the internet potentially affect religious communities? 

  • Do NRMs seem to use internet differently than established religious traditions? 

  • How is the internet used as a tool of recruitment? Is it more/less/the same in terms of effectiveness in your opinion (using evidence from your readings)? 

  • Can virtual space replicate a physical sacred space?