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3. Major Essay There are three assessable components for the major essay in MAS105. All of these components centre on research, planning, writing and evaluation of an essay based on ONE of the following questions:

1. To what extent have we seen the triumph of a market model rationale rather than a public service rationale in the Australian media landscape? Your essay should include reference to Croteau, Tiffen and the Chapter 8 of Miekle and Young.

2. “An account of globalisation that is based on economics is just too simple”. Critically analyse this claim. Your answer should include reference to the Appadurai and McChesney articles in the course reader.

3. “In discussions of convergence people often focus on consumers but in reality the drivers of media convergence are media production and ownership”. Critically discuss this claim. Your essay should include reference to the Croteau and McChesney articles.

4. What critiques have been made by media scholars of technological determinism as an explanation for change in the digital media? Your answer should make reference to a specific digital media form, genre or practice. Your answer should include reference to the Flew, Manovich and Winston articles in the course reader.

5. Critically discuss McChesney’s argument that when people talk about globalisation they are often talking about neo-liberalism. Your essay should include reference to McChesney and Hesmondhalgh.

6. Does diversity of opinion in the press matter any more, now we have access to participatory and social media? Your essay should include reference to Van Djick, Howley and Tiffen.

7. “The days of broadcasting are behind us.” Critically analyse this claim with reference to Jacka, Manovich and Thompson.

8. “The idea of a public sphere to which everyone can contribute on equal term is simply a fantasy”. Critically discuss this claim. Your essay should include reference to the Turnbull and Howley articles.

ALL essays should include evidence of wide reading and significant independent

research. You should refer to AT LEAST: - three readings from the course reader, including those mentioned in your specific

essay question - five academic sources beyond the reader. At least two should be articles from an

academic journal. NOTE: wikipedia, on-line forums and blogs are not considered academic sources.

Broader reading within the disciplines of media, communications and cultural studies will be highly valued. All essays should include a reference list with full bibliographic details of all sources referred to in the essay, and in-text referencing. In MAS105, we expect you to use the Harvard or author-date referencing style. Further information about how to use this style are included on the library website under “Harvard” style: http://libguides.mq.edu.au/Referencing

Component 3a. Major Essay Outline. 500 words + references. Worth 15% (due midnight Friday 5 September - week 5)

You must submit an outline of your essay structure. The outline should consist of a bullet point description of how you expect to structure your essay. The outline should demonstrate the ability to construct a framework for analysing and critiquing an identified issue. The outline should also acknowledge some of your (initial) research choices. You should also include a reference list of at least three sources you have read so far in preparing your outline and should include in-text referencing where appropriate. At least one of your sources should be from independent reading beyond the course reader. Your tutor will assess your outline and research choices and provide feedback which will assist you in developing your final essay. Submission You need to submit your essay outline online through the Turnitin link on iLearn. You do not need to submit a hard copy. Please make sure that you include a page at the start of your essay outline that gives your full name, student name, tutor's name and tutorial time.

Component 3b. Major Essay. Worth 40%. 2,000 words plus list of references. Due midnight Friday 17th October - week 9

This essay provides an opportunity for you to build on the outline you submitted in Week 5. Unless otherwise advised by your tutor, you should address the same essay question, but you may want to modify your approach or arguments in the light of feedback from your tutor and your own reflection on the strengths and weaknesses of your argument. Reflect on the feedback given to you for your essay outline. Further develop your thinking and make an argument to support your position, with detailed reference to unit material and your own independent research. Further reading will undoubtedly be necessary. Objectives. In completing the essay you should aim to: 1. Demonstrate understanding of one or more key concepts central to the study of

contemporary media (learning outcome 1) 2. Compare and evaluate selected approaches to a topic in media studies (LO 1, 2

and 3) 3. Produce a coherent, concise and well-supported argument which

demonstrates both wide and appropriately selected reading, and synthesises information collected from a range of sources. (LO 4 and 5)

4. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on the essay outline, and feedback from the tutor on this work (LO 6)

Essay Assessment Criteria In MAS105 three sets of criteria are assessed in essays: reading and research; argument and analysis; and writing and structure. Within each of these sets, markers are looking for the following:

 Reading and research: evidence of critical engagement with set course materials;

evidence of independent reading of appropriate academic material; evidence of thorough research (books, journals, relevant online sources, media resources and archives).

 Argument and analysis: well-articulated and well-supported argument; evidence of critical thinking (through taking a position in relation to key ideas from the course, and supporting this position); evidence of relational thinking (through making connections between key ideas from the course and wider literature, and supporting these connections).

 Writing and structure: clear, logical and coherent structure; clarity of expression; adequate referencing.

Submission You need to submit your essay online through the Turnitin link on iLearn. You do not need to submit a hard copy. Please make sure that you include a page at the start of your essay that gives your full name, student name, tutor's name and tutorial time.

Component 3c. Major Essay Evaluation. Worth 5% For week 13, you will arrange a consultation with your tutor (s/he will make detailed arrangements closer to the date), for between 5 minutes (minimum) and 10 minutes (maximum). Before that appointment, you should reflect on your essay and how effective you think it was in meeting the objectives and criteria for the assessment. Below is a form which you should complete in bullet points before you meet with your tutor. The notes you make on this form can help guide your conversation with your tutor and act as a record for your tutor’s benefit – you should submit the form to your tutor during your meeting. During the consultation you will have the opportunity to make a statement which details: (1) how you sought to address the assessment criteria in your essay; (2) how well you think you achieved these aims and (3) what you could have done to improve your argument. Your tutor will discuss your essay and return your submission. Your Essay Evaluation mark will be determined by how well you reflect upon your submitted essay and critically self-assess. Late assignments will be penalised by 5% per day, unless an extension has been arranged with your tutor in advance, and documented evidence of illness or serious misadventure is submitted (this does not include having to work).