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Com 314: Mass Communications Theory |
Updated: 09/03/2003
Reading of the tutorials revealed some serious problems with writing content and style for many of you. Go back to your English composition notes and review what you learned about writing an essay. Write clearly, concisely, and be sure that relationships among key points are made apparent.
1. In general, the tutorials were not specific enough. Some of you identified the concept of market structure, but discussed nothing more than institutionalization of media. Check notes or Anderson and Meyer; there is MUCH more to it. The same was true of discussions of market conduct.
2. I am seeing long, elaborate and generally superficial examples which may or may not support a concept, but which do not belong in a tutorial in such an elongated form.
3. Structure in some tutorials was way off base. As I mentioned in class, you should have a strong introductory paragraph, and a paragraph on each of the elements discussed: structure, conduct, performance, and then one on how those impact product content and structure. Your conclusion should summarize it all.
4. Mechanics are rough in some of your tutorials. I will count off substantially if those errors appear in the final rewrite.
5. You should recount all of the details in the notes as thoroughly as possible. Write clearly and concisely and SPECIFICALLY.
6. Don't just provide a list of concepts. Tell me what they are and WHY they're significant and how they relate to each other. The operative question is "So what?"
IF you have a score of less than 40 you MUST rewrite the tutorial again. If you have 40 or better and choose not to do so, I will double the rewrite grade.
Some concepts which should be included in your tutorial:
GOOD LUCK!!! (It will get easier, I promise.)
Also: Media is PLURAL, not singular. Therefore "media ARE...." not "media is..." That error is common and it is a pet peeve of mine, so watch for it. Upper level students should not be making those kinds of mistakes.