Media voice

You are responsible for writing a thoughtful forum post analyzing a recent (past month) news article covering Latin American or Latinx history, environment, or culture, and placing the topic in historical perspective. You’ll then share this in a focused 3-minute presentation.

English-language sources for Latin American news include  Smithsonian ,  the BBC ,  alt.latino ,  the New York Times ,  The Christian Science Monitor ,  The Afro-Latin@ Project …

Course Learning Goals Addressed:

1. Place current events in historical perspective.

2. Evaluate diverse interpretations of Latin America and its peoples.

3. Use the skills of historians – including research, analysis, and interpretation – to create your own interpretations of primary sources.

Specifications

Select a reputable media story about Latin America, Latin Americans, or Latinx communities from the past month that has not already been presented (note: you CAN choose a significant update / new development of an ongoing story.)

Write a 5-paragraph forum post that includes at least one paragraph each that:

1. Summarizes the current event and identifies key people and institutions

2. Analyzes one journalist’s coverage, considering their argument, use of evidence, and depiction of Latin America

3. Analyzes a second journalist’s coverage, considering their argument, uses of evidence, and depiction of Latin America

4. Explains how and why you think the two news stories differ, and why this matters.

5. Concludes with how you think this story relates to class themes.

Support your analysis with specific examples from the story and from class.

Indicate all sources of information (whether quoted or paraphrased) with clear citations.

Include a link to the media story.

Include at least one image.

Post to the Moodle Latin America in the Media Forum by 24 hours before your chosen date.

On your class date, present a 3-minute overview of your story, focusing on what is happening, how it is depicted in your source, why it is significant, and how it links to course themes.

Criteria	Comments
Format Assignment fulfills criteria for content, freedom from grammatical errors, use of links and images, and citations. Assignment is submitted on time.
Summary Forum post presents a clear, focused summary of the event.
Primary Source Analysis Thoughtful analysis highlighting the two journalists’ argument, use of evidence, and broader implications.
Portrayal of Latin America / Latin Americans: Good consideration of the journalists’ point-of-view and how it shapes their coverage.
Course Themes Clear links to course themes and wider issues in Latin American history.
Presentation Clear, well organized presentation that highlights key points of the topic and engages audience.
Synthesis Student synthesizes the two sources, explaining how and why their coverage of Latin America/Latin Americans differs, and what these sources taken together reveal.