Assignment 3: Synthesis Paper. Communication Studies 201. Consequences of Mass Media
Assignment 3: Synthesis Paper
Communication Studies 201
Assignment 3: Synthesis Paper (25%)
For this assignment, you will write a synthesis paper based on all of the readings in a unit. You can choose any unit you like for this assignment.
What is a synthesis paper?
A synthesis paper draws on two or more sources and combines their ideas into a coherent whole.
What do I need in order to write one?
Writing a successful synthesis paper will require you to do four things:
Read accurately and objectively
See relations among different viewpoints
Define a thesis based on these relations
Support the thesis effectively
How do I write it?
A synthesis paper may be developed in several ways, including the following:
Thesis supported by examples. Develop a thesis based on common points among the works, and support the thesis with appropriate examples from each work. This strategy works well with papers that approach a subject from highly diverse viewpoints.
Comparison and contrast. Discuss the similarities and differences in the writers’ viewpoints and draw whatever conclusions are possible from your comparison.
Argument. If you have a clearly defined opinion about the subject, support that opinion by incorporating the valid viewpoints of the writers of the papers you have selected, and show the weaknesses of those ideas that you feel are not valid.
Application. Develop a question about a real-world example and explore how each work informs your analysis. For example: Is the Internet good for democracy? And then consider your research question from the different perspectives. Explain how the approaches are complementary and/or incompatible.
What steps should I take in writing this paper?
Consider using the following procedure for writing your paper:
Read carefully. First, skim through the readings, and look for similar issues in each paper. Reflect on those issues, and jot down your ideas. Reread and decide on one topic that will unify your paper. Note each paper’s thesis and main points. Finally, take notes.Next, determine your thesis. A thesis is a direct statement of a main issue or idea that you have developed from studying the papers. If you are writing a comparison/contrast paper, your thesis may explain the main points of agreement and disagreement among the writers you are dealing with. If you are writing a thesis-with-examples paper, your thesis may state the main idea you have developed from your readings, which will be supported with examples from the readings in the body of your paper. If you are writing an argument, your thesis will state your opinion about the subject and will indicate that you will be supporting your views through an analysis of the papers. If you are writing an analysis on a real-world example, your thesis will suggest an answer for your research question with a summary explanation based on points from the readings.
Then, organize your paper with your thesis in mind. The type of organization you use depends on your thesis, but in general you should use block arrangement or alternating arrangement (sometimes called point-by-point). Block arrangement, for example, would addresses one reading and then the other reading with conclusions presented at the end. Alternating arrangement would address both readings throughout, organized by an arrangement of analytic points.Write a rough draft after you have decided on the organization you will be using. Here are some pointers: Early in your paper, mention the titles and authors of the papers you will be discussing. Quote or paraphrase brief passages from the papers to show how the papers illustrate, agree with, or disagree with each point you make. Whenever you quote or paraphrase, cite the author properly.And finally, REVISE. Remember: All good writing is rewriting.The synthesis paper must answer the following questions:
What are the major themes, concepts, and debates of this unit’s readings?
What do this unit’s readings have in common?
What are some differences or tensions among this unit’s readings?
What is a contemporary example from the media that relates to this unit’s readings, and how is it related to a key concept?
Format
The length of your paper should be approximately 2,200–3,000 words or 7–10 typed double-spaced pages with one-inch margins.
Be consistent in your use of bibliographic references and include page numbers for quotes. List all works that you have cited at the end of your paper in a properly formatted bibliography.
As you use quotations to support your ideas, make sure you do not produce a paper of lengthy quotes strung together. If you quote three lines or fewer, the quote should not be set off or indented but integrated into the text of your paper.
Do not use the first person.
Connect ideas using linking devices and transitions.
Spend time outlining, organizing, and editing your paper. Ideally, find someone else to proofread your paper. Remember that you can consult AU’s Write Site for feedback.
When you are done editing, think of a title that best captures your thesis.
Submitting your assignments
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Consequences of Mass Media
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Introduction
Mass media have started out in history with prints introduced as a way to efficiently communicate and disseminate information to more people in the society with a more expanded scope, then came other forms such as radio and television. Alongside the transformation and evolution of mass media, communication, and technology, the development of the various aspects of the human culture, behavior, beliefs, practices as a society is simultaneously occurring. Eventually, advancements in technology led to changes in the way mass media are used and seen by society, also reacting to the changes in the current needs and wants of the people. Although mass media and new media are generally considered as advancements of humanity, these may also bring out consequences to the everyday life of the members of the society.
Communication, Mass Media and New Media
Communication is the transfer and a possible exchange of data and information from a person to another. This can also be applicable to groups of people, as long as the components that make up communication are present which are the sender, a piece of information or message, and a receiver, also with consideration to the mode of communication that will be used to convey the message and make it as clear and accurate as possible. (Gasher, et al., 2016). The communication process as well as the message itself can greatly affect the interrelationships in society in terms of emotions, knowledge, behavior, culture, etc. Being a broad topic with vast possibilities and scope, there are many areas of study for communication such as public relations, education, intercultural communication, and marketing, which are also expansive in a way that communication is also very applicable to other domains some of which are health, military, and economy.
In this discussion, the field of study that will be focused on is mass media and new media. Media and communication are interrelated in nature and evolution. It encompasses various aspects of life from traditional to modern forms. Communication media have its tradition and modern phase. The traditional media includes books, film, television, magazines, newspapers, broadcasting, and telecommunications, while the advancements in electronics and technology led to new media with tablets, computers, smartphones, and internet-based media (Gasher, et al., 2016). With the ever-changing and continuous evolution of media and technology, there are also additional advantages as well as consequences that requires consideration due to its effects on society.
Speeding Up Globalization
One of the most advantageous effects of mass media and new media is its role in enhancing globalization. Due to the improved connectivity of each one regardless of the distance between two people or groups, the transfer of information is easier nowadays (Matos, 2012). This is not only confined with personal use of technology and communication but also involves an international level of broadcasting, television programs, films, and music. In line with this, there is a cultural exchange happening, letting the information from another nation influence the receiver, affecting the beliefs, culture, and behavior of the other set of population. Diversity of culture and practices that opens various opportunities for change and development influenced by other nations that are more progressive and can be of help in addressing issues that are present in the community. A factor that helps with the globalization is the media convergence. This is the merging and blending of various outlets of mass communication, also in consideration of portability and interactivity (Gasher, et al. 2016). Media convergence, therefore, improves the ease in using mass media and the new media, while also enhancing the overall experience that the receiver or user gets by the dynamic and somehow customized nature of the delivery. This further promotes the participation of the society and the use of the various media available in accessing different information that they would want to obtain.
Business and Economy
Another advantage that is brought about by the advancements and evolution in communication technology is its effect on the business and economy. There are numerous kinds of information that are available and are transferred from one recipient to another because of mass media and new media, and one of the categories is involved with the business. Media forms related to advertising and marketing are truly rampant with the current system due to the ease as well as connectivity that these communication media offer, making it beneficial and vital in bridging the gap between businesses and potential consumers. Also helping small businesses be known to the public and advertise their competitive advantage in comparison to other businesses in the industry. The contents of media are capable of persuasion, especially due to the multimedia aspect offering audio and visual feedback to the viewers, enhancing the power of the message to the recipient, and the experience of receiving it. Mass media and its contents also highly influence the demands of the consumers in the society and set the trend by affecting human behavior and attitude, thus fueling the market and the economic standing of the nation (Gasher, et al., 2016). In a larger scope of population, the various information from mass media and the effects of the previously mentioned globalization, lead to a more efficient global trading of various goods, products, commodities, resources, and information. This results in industrialization and improvement when it comes to various infrastructures and technological assets of the country. Improvements in the different aspects that affect the economic standing of the country will result in a stronger nation with global connections as well as the ability to utilize their resources to further improve the current condition of the country.
Politics and Democracy
Among the aspects of society that are affected and are included in the concerns of mass communication, democracy is one of them. Democracy is generally a government system referring to the rights and responsibilities of the citizens as eligible to participate in community decisions and law-making. It concerns the freedom of expression through representation, participation, and consent (Livingstone & Lunt, 1994). Mass media and especially the new media contribute to the empowerment of democracy nowadays enabling the citizens, even those who are considered normal people of the society, to participate in the concerns of the government and the community. The power of communication media when used by the people of the nation is so significant that it had resulted in historical events causing reforms and a new standard for the authorities set by the people. An example of the capability of mass media in the tipping of those who are in power is during the sixteenth century with regard to religion in Europe. Martin Luther along with other Protestants sabotaged the control of the Catholic Church over the people of the society, and the government retaliated by controlling the media and the press due to the possible ideas that it might generate that will affect the beliefs and behavior of the society (Gasher, et al., ...
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