Assignment 1 Media Theory

HISM 3611: Media Laws, Ethics and Policies

Marks: 60 Due Date: 31 March 2011
Write an interesting and informative academic essay on ONE of the topics (themes). The length of the
essay must be between three (3) to four (4) pages set at 1/5 spaces. Kindly consult the document titled
“Guidelines for writing academic essays”, which can be obtained from your lecturer. The essay must be
typed; no hand-written essay will be accepted. Late submission will be penalised.

1. With reference to the concept of “mediation” critically discuss the role of media in society.
2. Compare and contrast interpersonal communication with mass communication. Provide examples
of this comparison.
3. The concepts “public sphere” and “publicness” relate to the nature of mass communication as
communication and the role of the media in society. Critically discuss these two concepts and
explain how they relate to the role of the media. Also indicate their link to democracy.
4. Apply the concept of “public sphere” to the context of the Namibian media environment.
5. It has been argued that media theory relates to both society and culture and therefore has to be
understood in terms of both these concepts. Critically asses how media theory relates to both
society and culture, by providing relevant examples.
6. Identify and discuss the perceptions associated with the mediation roles of the media. Prove
relevant examples in your discussion.
7. Drawing from Denis McQuail’s (McQuail, 2000: 79-80 cited in Fourie, 2007: 188) typology of
the functions of the functions of the media, discuss these functions with reference to the Namibian
media. Provide relevant examples to illustrate your discussion.
8. What are functions of media in society according to the functionalism perspective? Critically
discuss.
9. Drawing from the political functions of the media as propounded by Dutch researchers; Jan van
Cuilenburg, Otto Scholtend and G. W. Noonen (1992: 137 cited in Fourie, P. J., 2007: 188),
critically discuss the political functions/roles of the Namibian media.
10. Identify and critically discuss the main themes for media-society theories. Provide relevant
examples.
11. Identify and discuss media-society theories.
Marks allocation
Theoretical and conceptual analysis - 10%
Your work should display a fair understanding of the relevant theories and concepts that underpin (inform)
the course. Thus, relevant theories and concepts must be applied in the explanation of your arguments and
propositions of your essay.
Content – 15 %
Your essay contains accurate information, which is assembled in an original manner to make a coherent
argument, and which fully addresses the topic. Essays that rely excessively of other people’s ideas will be
penalised.
Expression – 15 %
The essay is free from major errors of English vocabulary (wrong or inappropriate words), grammar (weak,
ambiguous or unclear sentence structure), spelling, punctuation and style (inappropriate idioms, metaphors
or combinations of words/phrases).
Structure – 10 %
The essay is shaped well. It has an introduction with an identifiable thesis statement, a central section
containing the main argument and a conclusion. The whole essay is coherent, with clear ideas expressed in
paragraphs, linked together to each other through appropriate sign-posting.

Bibliography – 10%
The essay contains a list of references consulted and which have also been cited in the text.