Media Analysis Project Examining Internet/Media/Text

Looking for the Hidden Aspects

The purpose of this project is to increase your ability to critically question and analyze stereotypical
media images of difference and to explore possible ways to subvert these stereotypical codes to
address the representations of difference. You will focus on hidden aspects of the media regarding, but
not limited to race, class, gender ability, religion, language, and ethnicity. With your selected focus in
mind, consider images and ideas conveyed in the media and identify Concepts, Tools, and Practices to
remember.

To complete your work you will:

select a focus (like women or race or ethnicity or gender and more),
select an aspect or aspects of media (defined as, but not limited to the Internet, movies,
television, books, and textbooks),
do a review of research literature/studies to see what has been written/studied regarding
your selected topic (be sure to find research studies along with opinion pieces),
analyze how your focus is represented in the media (talk about how you looked at what
you looked at as your focus),
write up your findings, including your findings from the literature you read,
summarize your project,
Using voicethread or something like it, prepare and record a short presentation
summarizing what you found,
submit your presentation online for class colleagues to view (weeks 6 - 7),
View the works of others (weeks 7 - 8) and
submit your project paper.

Points to consider:
What does the literature say about the representation of your [selected group/focus].
Look for ideas/images of [selected group/focus] in the media. Involve yourself in
questioning assumptions and engage in a critical analysis of Eurocentric media
representations of difference and the patriarchal systems that support their production.
What kinds and types of [selected group/focus] appear most often?
Are there different categories of [selected group/focus]? If so, how are they represented
differently by the media?
How long can you watch television or read a newspaper or magazine, or look on the
Internet without encountering anything but [selected group/focus]? In contrast, what
about a more privileged group?
When you analyze the portrayal of [selected group/focus] in the media: who/what is
present, and who/what is absent? Consider the ways in which media transforms and
reproduces social values, beliefs, and attitudes regarding the [selected group/focus].
See if you can develop a better understanding how media shapes the ways people view the
world and consider alternative ways that media might be used to teach critical thinking.
What could turn around the representation of this [selected group/focus] in the media?

Devise an analytic tool to help you analyze what you see:

What is covered on the sites and how are they represent your [selected group/focus]?
In what ways are the sites addressing your selected group/focus;
Identify the guiding principles and the practical implications of material of your findings.
These implications will be based on what you are learning and thinking.
 Research Project Outline

I. TITLE INFORMATION [on a separate cover sheet].

II. INTRODUCTION
A. Introduce the project
B. Identify the focus of your project -- and the significance
Clearly describe your purpose and/or question(s)
Discuss what initially prompted you to address these issues
Describe how addressing these issues will contribute to your knowledge
and understanding of multicultural education
C. Review Related Research Literature
Identify the main aspects of your issue/question(s)
Present literature related to your topic
Demonstrate your understanding of issues related to your project.

III. The Project METHODOLOGY

A. Data Collection - Discuss why you selected the media sources and how
Describe the strategies used to locate the sources
Address why they are appropriate
Describe sources
B. Data Analysis Describe how you analyzed the information you uncovered.
Describe your analytic process
Discuss why this process is appropriate.

IV. FINDINGS
A. Describe findings
B. Discuss your interpretation of what happened and why.
C. Address what you have learned from this project.

NOTE: Remember to refer to class readings, videos, and discussions in your analysis
along with the other literature you read.

V. SIGNIFICANCE AND SUMMARY

A. Summarize your study.
Including the major issues involved.
Address the twists and turns experienced.
Identify the limitations of the study.
B. Describe your recommendations.
C. Discuss implications and significance of your project.

Your project should be about 8-10 pages long, double-spaced and you should prepare a
five-minute or so presentation that will be seen online by class colleagues.