· World Limit – 2500 (+/-10%)

· At least 5 scholarly sources including peer-reviewed journal articles, text books and reputable websites

Choose 
ONE
 of the following essay topics.

1.      Examine the theoretical and methodological issues associated with viewing the media in terms of effects? Draw on at least two theorists and discuss with relevance to research case studies when answering this question.

2.      Drawing on relevant research critically discuss how new media technologies have blurred the lines between media consumers and media producers. How has this phenomenon impacted on media audience research?

3.      Discuss the ways in which the media can provide opportunities for the citizen audience to exercise their democratic rights. Draw on at least two theorists and discuss with relevance to research case studies when answering this question.

4.      Drawing on at least two theorists of ‘fandom’ and ‘fan activities’ discuss how the knowledge of fandom’ and ‘fan activities’ has contributed to our understanding of people and their relationship with the media?

5.      What do scholars within the cultural studies tradition mean when they say that media audiences are ‘active’? Discuss with reference to Stuart Hall and media audience research.

Essay Assessment includes the following criteria:

The Student has:

Essay Content:

· Addressed the question and developed an argument/case on valid premises;

· demonstrated a clear understanding of key terms and concepts and applied them logically and appropriately;

· identified and justified any underlying assumptions and biases;

· remained open to other perspectives or when challenging these perspectives used relevant and reliable evidence to support your own claims.

Introduction to the essay:

· Defined the scope of your topic and included a clear, arresting thesis statement

Body of essay:

· Ensured that each paragraph has one central idea;

· ensured your paragraphs support the essay’s main idea or relate to it in some other way;

· used appropriate evidence, illustrations and arguments to support each paragraph’s main ideas;

· made links between preceding and following paragraphs and from the paragraphs to the essay’s main idea;

· included a final statement that either sums up the central idea of each paragraph;

· suggested implications, or provides one or more of the linkages mentioned in the previous point.

Conclusion to the essay:

· Summarised the main evidence in the essay;

· linked ideas and evidence back to the main ideas;

· provided rounding off, or evaluative comments, or pointed to implications or possible further developments;

· avoided introducing unrelated material

File type and Format:

· Please use Microsoft word document: doc or docx

· Use 12pt font or above (Arial or Times New Roman)

· Double line spacing

· Include page numbers

· Include header or footer on each page with your name, course code and date.

· Use italics for titles, and bold for headings.

· evidence of extensive reading in course study material and understanding and deployment of that reading to answer the question asked

· ideas clearly expressed, with no problems of ambiguity or lack of clarity.

· Use the AGPS Harvard referencing style

· NB At this level of study we expect students to include a range of scholarly sources including peer-reviewed journal articles, text books and reputable websites.