1. Media, Technology and Politics
Research Report – Group project
Erik Chevrier

2. Instructions 1 – Get into groups according to the topic you choose.
2 – Discuss and refine your topic to be specific.
3 – Write up a preliminary assessment and hand it in on October 25th.It will be written during class time.
4 – I will give you all feedback about your project on November 1st.
5 – You must find three sources regarding your project, read them before class and be prepared to discuss the readings with the people in your group on November 1st. YOU NEED TO BRING A BIBLIOGRAPHY WITH THE THREE SOURCES YOU READ TO HAND IN IN CLASS – YOU WILL SUBMIT THE BIBLIOGRAPHY IN HARD COPY AT THE BEGINNING OF CLASS.
6 – Come up with a more specific/refined proposal. You will discuss the project again with your group in class on November 1st. You will hand in a revised proposal on November 1st. It can be written during class time. YOU MUST COME TO CLASS ON November 1st.
7 – Complete your project with help from your group members.
8 – Hand in your final project on November 29th.

3. Pick a Topic
1 – Write a literature review about a topic related to media technology and politics.
2 – Get involved with a political media campaign on campus.
3 - I am open to other suggestions
Possible ways to present the project:
Write a report
Make a video
I am open to other suggestions
*Can be done as a group or as an individual

4. Option 1 – Write a Literature Review About a Topic Related to Media Technology and Politics
Examples include:
Internet regulation in Canada
Role of public broadcasting (CBC)
Anonymous – ‘Hactivism’
The media’s role in fostering a ‘culture of fear’
Data mining and/or digital spying
Issues regarding social media
Technological advances in communication
Future of news
Participatory journalism
You can choose other topics that interest you

5. Option 1 Paper Expectations
Due November 29th
The paper should:
Contain the names of all group members
Be between 10 and 15 pages (body text) OR per group or 3 pages per individual
Have 10 – 20 sources per group OR 5 per individual
Flow well
Not contain grammatical errors
Go into depth about a topic
Be well structured
Thesis statement(s)
Support for your thesis statement(s)
Evidence
Address any counter evidence

6. Grading for Option 1
Students will be graded on the following criteria:
10 points = Research quality – Are your research findings valid and/or reliable? Have you properly analyzed the topic?
4 points = The clarity of the report – Are the arguments clear and concise? Is the report organized properly? Does it respects page limits?
4 points = Usefulness of the report – Does it reach its intended audience and fulfill its role? Does the report use proper voicing for the intended audience?
2 point = Grammar – Has the report been properly proofread?
- 2 points if you do not hand in a bibliography and/or show up to class on November 1st.
Total = 20 points

7. Option 2 – Get Involved With a Political Media Campaign on Campus
Possible ideas:
Help a group or club promote their activities
Help a group or club run a fee levy campaign (Concordia Food Coalition)
Help a group or club with outreach on campus
Create a blog page or website for a group/club on campus
Start a media project on campus (i.e. Concordia Food Groups webpage)

8. Option 2 Paper Expectations
Due November 29th
The paper should:
Contain the names of all group members
Be between 10 and 15 pages (body text) OR per group or 3 pages per individual
Have 10 – 20 sources per group OR 5 per individual
Sources should include how to effectively run the campaign by according to the demographic you intend to reach, how to evaluate your campaign, and/or effective communication tools for the campaign
Flow well
Not contain grammatical errors
Go into depth about the topic
Be well structured
Thesis statement(s)
Support for your thesis statement(s)
Evidence
Address any counter evidence

9. Grading for Option 2
Students will be graded on the following criteria:
10 points = Did you formulate a proper plan of action, act on the plan, and provide a way for the group/campaign to achieve its desired outcomes?
4 points = The clarity of the report – Are the arguments clear and concise? Is the report organized properly? Does it respects page limits?
4 points = Usefulness of the report – Does it reach its intended audience and fulfill its role? Does the report use proper voicing for the intended audience?
2 point = Grammar – Has the report been properly proofread?
- 2 points if you do not hand in a bibliography and/or show up to class on November 1st.
Total = 20 points

10. Assignment – Preliminary Assessment
Preliminary Report
Rough outline of your final paper
Can be in point form
Should contain
The names of the members of your group
Which option you chose
The topic you are interested in writing about
Bibliography
The tasks that each member of your group will perform
A realistic timeline for the completion of each task

11. Questions?
Let’s discuss topics