reading response 3 list of episodes done in class Here are the episodes you are responsible for viewing in module 3 if you miss class: #1 - Simpsons, Joy of Sect, season 9, episode 14 #2 - Simpsons,

Module 3 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

For this response, you want to analyze the depictions of religion and apply the various theoretical lenses that we have discussed in previous modules. For example, consider the following questions: Do the religious depictions contain inherent stereotypes? Do they account for sectarian differences within religious tradition or do they present the tradition as a singular entity? Do you see evidence of racialization of religion? Is religion associated with violence? What is the tone of the portrayal? Does the show/film employ comedy? For what purpose? Are the depictions relatively accurate? Does religion play an integral role in the plot or is it mainly in the background? How does religion tie into the plot? Is religion depicted in a positive or negative way?

You are not required to answer/address all of these questions but these are suggested topics to consider. If you cannot find a suitable media example, let me know and I can make some suggestions for analysis. Be sure to use either the shows/films from this module as your case studies for analysis. You might also wish to include some examples of your own.