Goal for your research paper on Iraq and the Media: To compare and contrast how mainstream, independent AND foreign media are covering the Iraq war. Because you will have read and seen media on Iraq, Paper Masters’ presumes students to be informed and to look critically at the coverage.
What to consider when writing a research paper on the media coverage of the War in Iraq:
- What viewers need to know to understand what is happening in Iraq or US policy in the Middle East.
- Alternatively you may cover a human rights issue (check with me if you’re not sure, examples would include Darfur, Pakistan, Myanmar or Burma but you must pick one that is in the news and is covered in Middle East media.
Be careful to emphasize analysis rather than your own Op Ed views: Analysis is substantiated by evidence, context, and by applying frameworks to critically assess news coverage (see below). Observations must be grounded in analysis of the media viewed.
Identify your news sources in parenthesis (NY Times, 10-23-06). Make reference to the readings where appropriate. USE quotes to illustrate your point but do not quote articles or news stories AT LENGTH (i.e. as filler).
You must monitor THREE news sources for Iraq War Coverage Term Paper:
- MUST monitor a mainstream news source (see below) on a story about the war in Iraq. You should monitor the news program you choose more than once to get a good sense of how they are reporting the news. [TAPE record a program if you cannot watch it when it is broadcast.] Use strict news programs and NOT talk shows.
- MUST monitor an International or foreign-language media source for comparison during the same time period (see below).
- MUST monitor independent/alternative media (see below) for comparison during the same time period.
MEDIA to Monitor:
NATIONAL Media
Newspapers: One of four major national newspapers: NY Times, Washington Post or Los Angeles Times, all available free online (some require FREE registration). Keep clear the distinction between the news story and the opinion piece. DO NOT compare op-ed columnists to straight news stories. If you make reference to commentary (Op Ed), label it as such and what this adds..
- www.nytimes.com
- www.washingtonpost.com
- www.latimes.com
Television: The NATIONAL television news programs at 6:30 PM on one of the three major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS). Do NOT use local news programs unless you are monitoring foreign-language media.
