1. FINAL ESSAY GUIDELINES CMNS452 Spring 2013

2. FROM YOUR SYLLABUS… Your term paper is where you will apply the “tools” we have developed over the course of the semester, drawing on your research questions and thesis you will examine a site of study and how it is an example of the larger theoretical argument you’re making. Your site of analysis can range from being an advertising campaign, a film, media coverage of an event, etc. the purpose of the case study is to provide you with a specific example that you can refer to when you’re making a broader argument. The paper handout is also available electronically on the wiki. Questions? Concerns? Office Hours (Harbour Centre) 3:00-5:00pm Mondays in room HC2146 Office Hours (Burnaby Campus) 12:00-1:00pm Tuesdays in room K8657 @ 12:00-1:00 Or by appointment

3. Formatting Guidelines: ATTACH PROPOSAL: You must attach your graded essay proposal to the final paper. You will be penalized a half letter grade if it is missing. Length: 15 Pages double spaced (not including references or title page) 1 inch margins (2.54cm) Page Numbers & Font: Times New Roman or Cambria 12pt font. Pages should be numbered. Citation Format: APA format. (See left) Titles: Include a title page and proper title. (i.e. No CMNS452 Essay) Need help with your writing or editing? Check out the SFU Learning Commons: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/ Some helpful resources: Writing Tips/Resources: http://learningcommons.sfu.ca/strate gies/writing/drafting-your-paper APA Citation Guide: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/res ource/560/01

4. Sources/Supporting your argument: PEER-REVIEWED academic journals are the best sources to consult. Academic books (like those found in the SFU Libraries) are also great. Your paper should have a minimum of 10 scholarly sources. You are encouraged to use course material but must also do your own outside research. If your paper is an analysis of popular media please include those references on a separate bibliography. Scholarly vs. Popular Articles: https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=uAP1LeN5NCU How to recognize and find scholarly articles: https://www.youtube.com/watc h?v=uDGJ2CYfY9A Identifying Academic Sources: http://owll.massey.ac.nz/acade mic-writing/identifying- academic-sources.php

5. DO NOT CITE WIKIPEDIA/BLOGS/NEWS MEDIA TO SUPPORT YOUR ARGUMENT Does this make it clear?

6. Guidelines: If you’ve decided to change topics, please come speak to me or send me an email before you start writing. In this paper you are to identify the larger social issue connected to media and race (like the stereotypes of model minorities, Orientalism or whiteness) and do an analysis of your case study is an example or “proof” of how this issue. Clearly identify your case study making sure to provide enough context on it’s significance as well as any important facts that you think make this case study significant. These guidelines are intended to help you succeed in your paper. If you are unclear about what they say or are asking you to do come and see me for help.

7. GUIDELINES Explain HOW you did your analysis clearly detailing your methodology (did you do a content analysis, a textual analysis, a semiotic analysis etc. etc.) FRAME your analysis theoretically. Use broader theories/concepts that we’ve explored in class (or others in the literature) as a lens through which you will structure your arguments. (i.e. I will be using Orientalism to examine representations of Arabs in Aladdin. Support your arguments and analysis with academic sources that support your own arguments and analysis.

8. Late assignments will receive a half letter grade penalty a day. (i.e. an “A” paper a day late will be an “A-”) I do not grant extensions within 24 hours of the deadline without medical notes/exceptional circumstances.