Media Analysis

You will write a media analysis on how contemporary (digital, print, social) media frame public

discussions on sexuality and gender through visual and discursive representations of a specific group

(queer youth, Mexican migration mothers, gay middle-class men, Black women, etc.).

The media analysis paper must be between 4 and 6 pages (double-spaced, typewritten pages, 1-

inch margins, Times New Roman 12, and paginated). Be sure to use subheadings to organize

your paper.

Media Analysis Paper Outline

INTRODUCTION (1 paragraph)

1. Tell the reader about your paper. Who is your subject group, and what media source will you

analyze? What theories will you use in your analysis? (Be sure to define terms and concepts*). What

is your thesis?The thesis statement should go towards the end of your introductory

paragraph. This statement should be complete. You should craft your thesis statement to give

readers a clear idea of what you will cover in the essay's main body. I suggest returning to your

introduction after you have written the entire paper to make sure that it reflects the actual structure

and argument of your essay.

MAIN BODY (2-3 pages)

1. Introduce your subject group using the terms and concepts learned in the course. Situate your

subject group historically, socially, and culturally. Tell the reader the dominant discourse used to

depict your subject group in popular media. Tell the reader the problems with this dominant

discourse.

2. Describe and contextualize your media source. Is it a news segment, magazine article, prime-time

television show? Is it a popular media source? Who are its target audience?

3. Provide an overview of the particular media messaging. What is the story that the media piece is

trying to tell? Give a clear synopsis/summary of the media piece.

ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION (2-3 pages)

1. Using 2 to 3 theories and concepts from the course, describe how the media piece discusses

sexuality/gender through visual and discursive representations of your subject group. Who is

speaking/writing? What dominate discourse does the media pieces perpetual, and how? How does

the media piece push back against dominant discourses, does it? Be specific and used clear

examples.

2. Using secondary sources, place your analysis in conversation with other similar studies. BE SURE

TO DISTINGUISH AND SUPPORT YOUR THESIS.

CONCLUSION (2 paragraphs)

1. Provide a summary of your essay and describe your essay's relevance.

2. Leave the reader with some takeaways or "food for further thought."

* Course Concepts/Theories

1. Androcentric (male-centered)

2. Borders (Anzaldúa)

3. Coatlicue State (Anzaldúa)

4. Counter-discourse (Foucault)

5. Critical Masculinity

6. Culture

7. Discourse (Foucault)

8. Erotic (Gill)

9. Feminism (Scheper-Hughes)

10. Gender socialization

11. Hegemonic Masculinity (Wedgwood)

12. Intersectionality

13. La Facultad (Anzaldúa)

14. Linguistic Terrorism (Anzaldúa)

15. New Mestiza (Anzaldúa)

16. Other Victorians (Foucault)

17. Positionality (McClaurin)

18. Queer Sexualities

19. Sex versus Gender (Scheper-Hughes)

20. Sexuality

21. Transnationalism

22. Women of Color Feminisms (e.g., Chicana and Black Feminisms)