MACS 110 | Introduction to Mass Communication Theory translate
Mid-term Exam back to MACS 110 Home
The mid-term will cover material from chapters 4, 5, and 6 of the textbook. You may use notes provided they're submitted with your answer booklet. They will be returned to you.
The mid-term will include a take-home question in which you play the role of a propagandist during either the 1940s or 50s. This is an exercise requiring both analytical and creative thought, i.e. applied academics, where you decide both the subject matter and the perspective. You do not have to personally believe in your message. The objective is to attempt to persuade others of its merit.
Bearing in mind your decade of choice and the normative (ideal) values of the time, your task is to combine image and language to create a one-page public service announcement, e.g. the threat of juvenile delinquency and its possible consequences. Alternatively, you could create a political message, e.g. a warning to be aware of the danger of Nazi or communist spies/infiltration. Your message will include a call for action. Keep in mind that many propaganda messages use Fallacies. Feel free to incorporate fallacies in your message such as appeal to guilt, fear, patriotism, or emotion. There are many techniques to choose from.
Copy and paste a photo or other image(s) into a MS Word document. You may use other software if you wish. The visual rather than written component of the message should dominate. Please ensure the written text is in a font size and colour that makes it easy to read. Although your submissions will be only one page, bear in mind it should be designed as a poster, i.e. a text that could be enlarged for public display in train stations, public buildings, or as a billboard.
In addition, write a two page report (typed-double-spaced). The first part should describe how your message is constructed in order appeal to its audience. Do you attempt to tie the message into the culture of everyday life? If so, how? Does your message connect to the dominant ideology in society? If so, how? Who might be effective opinion leaders to help amplify the message?
The second part explains how you would redesign your poster in an attempt to make it effective in today's society if you were drawing attention to a similar or related issue, e.g. the threat of terrorist spies/infiltration, or the potential radicalization of youth. What would be your blueprint for a new poster?
Bring a printed copy to class on March 8th. Also, email a copy to me as an attachment so I can view the poster in colour. The subject line on your email should read - MACS 110 Mid-term exam.
Please let me know if you have any questions.