MEDIA LITERACY UNIT
Students have a final writing assignment in social studies that is related to
media literacy. They are to write a five to seven paragraph essay analyzing a
media message. Students can choose any media message in which they have
continuous access as long as it is appropriate for school. The students are
to address the five key questions listed below as well as consider the
structure that I suggest. However, if confident, they may structure their
essay in other ways as well. Finally, they must also discuss if the message is
promoting healthy or unhealthy behavior and decide if it is promoting or
challenging stereotypes.
They will also have an in class essay test on the same day that their paper is
due. This test will follow the same format as the assignment described above,
but the students will be given a media message of my choosing rather than
picking their own and they will be writing in class rather than at home.
Five Key Questions
1. Who created the message?
2. What techniques are used to attract your attention?
3. How might different people interpret this message differently?
4. What lifestyles, values, and points of view are represented or omitted from
this message?
5. Why was this message sent?
A sample outline
1. Introduction-describe in detail, using precise language, what you see
and/or hear. Conclude with an explanation of who created the message.
2. Address key question #2.
3. Address key question #3.
4. Address key question #4.
5. Conclude with a paragraph addressing key question #5, discuss if the
message promotes healthy or unhealthy behavior, and comment on how the message
relates to stereotypes.
Due dates: Sections A, B, and C have their papers due on May 9. Sections D
and E have their papers due on May 10.
