Use theories and concepts to explain key causes and consequences of the problem in journalism you are focusing on. Your audience is potential funders/supporters of solutions.
Required content:
- Concisely review the specific causes and consequences of the problem that you intend to focus on. Reference Memo #1 and make sure to incorporate any feedback on your first memo from your instructors. Keep in mind that while Memo #1 covered all of the most prominent causes and consequences, this memo focuses on the specific causes and consequences that are relevant to the solution your will propose.
- Review one or more theories/concepts that help the reader understand the cause(s) of the problem that you are focusing on. Explain specifically how this concept/theory helps us understand why this problem is occurring.
- Briefly discuss a minimum of 2 empirical scholarly articles that demonstrate why this theory or concept is helpful in explaining the problem. This review should not simply summarize the findings of the studies, but persuasively demonstrate how the theory/concept applies to the specific problem. If you use more than one concept/theory to explain the causes (in the above step), you need to review at least one scholarly article per theory/concept.
- Review one or more theories/concepts that help the reader understand the consequence(s) of the problem that you are focusing on. Explain specifically how this concept/theory helps us understand why this problem has negative outcomes for democracy.
- Briefly discuss a minimum of 2 empirical scholarly articles that demonstrate why this theory or concept is helpful in explaining the consequences of the problem. This review should not simply summarize the findings of the studies, but persuasively demonstrate how the theory/concept applies to the specific problem. If you use more than one concept/theory to explain the consequences (in the above step), you need to review at least one scholarly article per theory/concept.
- Conclude with a summary of how academic research helps us think about the problem. How will this inform the solution you develop? Answer this question persuasively in order to convince the reader that your analysis of the problem is supported by academic research.
Note: Any scholarly concept or theory from inside or outside the course can be used. The same theory/concept can be used for causes and consequences or different theories/concepts can be used.
Requirements and Format:
- This paper should be 750-1000 words, double-spaced, with 1″ margins and Times New Roman 12-point font.
- It should read like a cohesive persuasive document with introduction and conclusion sections.
- Your title page should have your name on it.
- Please use APA style for citations and references.
Grading criteria
- Coverage of the required content
- Correct application of course theories/concepts
- Persuasiveness of your arguments
- Quality of your writing
Papers that use AI (e.g., Chat-GPT) will receive a 0.
