1. Pick any news event (e.g., speeches, press conferences, Sunday morning talk shows) since January 1, 2015 for which you can get a full transcript, recording, or video. Read the coverage of that event in four major mainstream news sources (e.g., New York Times, Politico). How did each define the story?On what sources did the stories draw? Did any miss or distort something important? Explain in light of the news organizations' audiences, constraints, and organizational processes. You may find transcripts and video at:
- http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/ (Click “Search the News” then “Broadcast Transcripts”)
- http://www.whitehouse.gov
- http://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts.aspx
- http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/
- http://www.c-span.org/
Points to keep in mind:
- Coverage may consist of multiple stories over several days.
- Distinguish hard news stories from op-eds and editorials.
- Distinguish wire copy from material by the organization's own staff.
- Do background research on the organizations that you analyze.
2. The Groseclose book came out in 2011. Write a postscript. To what extent do events of the past four years confirm or undercut his analysis?
3. Write on a relevant topic of your choosing, subject to my approval.
3. Write on a relevant topic of your choosing, subject to my approval.
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- Essays should be double-spaced 12-point Word documents (not pdfs), and no more than six pages long. I will not read past the sixth page.
- Cite your sources.Use endnotes in a standard format (e.g.,Turabian or Chicago Manual of Style).
- Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you.
- Return essays to the class Sakai dropbox by 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 12. Essays will drop one gradepoint for one day’s lateness and a full grade after that. I will grant no extensions except for illness or emergency.
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