Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:
Below, I have included 4 main questions that address what we have learned in the first seven weeks of the semester. See the questions for more details.
You must PICK TWO questions and answer them in coherent essays that present a thesis.
Your essays in total should be no longer than six pages (not including the reference pages). So each essay may be about 3 pages in length (each question is a separate essay). Thus, make sure to be concise. You will get points taken off for turning in an exam with more than 6 pages.
Please put the essays (double-spaced and 12-point font) into one word document, but make sure to separate them into two different essays. Therefore, each essay should present its own thesis (introduction/conclusion) and evidence (body paragraphs).
Please make sure that your essays are not simply opinion-based. Support your claims with specific evidence. You should make direct references (cited correctly) to course material. You must include references from course material: readings, online lessons video clips and case studies. Please use APA style for citation (Check APA citation style guide in Canvas).
Remember, to balance your essays with examples from the readings, lessons and films/video clips! Lots of class examples and films/video clips to choose from. You can’t talk about everything, so make sure to pick a few examples that best illustrate your main points. Therefore, you have to be very concise with these essays.
Formatting Criteria Summary
Each essay should be 3 pages (2 essays at 3 pages = 6 pages total). Your entire midterm exam should be 6 pages (12-point font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins)
Cite your sources. Include a bibliography in APA style.
Proofread your work!
Reference the rubric posted on Angel and the Lesson Commentary
Save your file as "Last name_First name_Midterm Exam"
Essay Questions (choose 2):
1) Regarding what you have learned about the history of international communications, what lessons do you think we should take from this course about the relationship between capitalism, media and influence/power, especially regarding United States’ international politics?
To answer this question, consider the following:
How does the history of international communication contribute to our knowledge/perceptions/opinions about the role of media in the world, especially in relation to the maintenance of power/capital?
Colonization, industrialization, capitalism and communication
What knowledge does it contribute? (U.S. foreign policy? Are there mistakes we should learn from?)
2) What is the role of propaganda in the history of international communications?
To answer this question, address the following:
What is the relationship between propaganda and politics?
How did conflicts between nations in the twentieth century play a role in shaping how propaganda was used?
What role did radio and film play in distributing propaganda messages? Who (people, governments, corporations, etc.) was involved?
3) Consider what you have learned about the theories of international communication, and the relationship between colonialism, imperialism and white supremacy. How do these concepts relate to one another and how do they manifest in the United States? How has the United States perpetuated colonialism, imperialism and white supremacy at home and abroad?
To answer this question, consider the following:
The history of colonization and postcolonial studies
The economic, physical and psychological violence the Global North (the West) inflicted on the Global South (the non-West)
The way imperialism and white supremacy are represented in media
4) How would you define and explain globalization historically and within today’s political and economic structure?
To answer this, explain how globalization can be seen as a historical process. Pay attention to the reading and lessons that highlight how globalization has been talked about the history and how the stages have helped globalization processes continue to rapidly grow. Hint: Are today’s debates about globalization any different or are they similar to historical debates about globalization?
Assuming the Internet has played a major role in speeding up the processes of globalization, how has the Internet played a major role in today’s political and economic structure? How does the concept of electronic colonization fit into this discussion? (Hint: see readings)
How has globalization affected marginalized communities? (e.g. global labor, media imperialism etc.)
