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POL102.04

Short Essay Assignment 1

Due: 11/03/14

In class, we briefly discussed Zaller's 'Purpleland' model of media influence. This model was also discussed in the assigned chapter from Zaller's book. In it, Zaller critiques the propaganda model. In the propaganda model, the government and large corporations use media to influence the preferences and behavior of the mass public. This is done to ensure that public opinion does not turn against corporate interests. In Zaller's model, the origins of public opinion are traced back to knowledge created from the use of the scientific method.

What do you think of Zaller's 'Purpleland' model? In one (short) essay, discuss whether you think the 'Purpleland' model is a good or bad model of public opinion in the U.S. Your essay should contain the answers to the following questions:

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1) What is the most important piece of evidence that you can think of that suggests that the 'Purpleland' model is a good approximation of the U.S.?

2) What is the most important price of evidence that you can think of that suggests that the 'Purpleland' model is a bad approximation of the U.S.?

3) Given this information, what do you think? Do you believe the 'Purpleland' model is right or wrong? Tell me why one piece of evidence is rationally more persuasive for you than the other.

4) What does this mean for U.S. society?

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Because this is a very short essay, style and readability count. If your essay is poorly organized and merely answers these questions, you will receive a lower grade. If the essay is well-written and presents the answers to these questions in a thoughtful and organic way that is easy and enjoyable to read, it will receive a higher grade. These questions are meant only as a guide to thinking about how to write your essay. As such, you do not need phrases like 'The most importance piece of evidence I can think of is ... '. The answers to these questions should arise naturally as you discuss your point of view on 'Purpleland'. The best essays have a brief introductory part and conclude with the answer to the 4th question also.

Your answer to this question should be 1 page or less and the text should not go onto a 2nd page. You should use times new roman font, font size 12, 1-inch margins on all sides, and 1.5 or double spacing. Writing a persuasive essay with a limited amount of text is part of the assignment. Your name and student ID number should be in the margin. You do not need a title for this essay. You do not need outside information to complete this essay. If you do use outside information, you may include a bibliography on the back of the page. You do not need to cite Zaller's book.