IThree topic are provided.  Select one of the three topics.  Concentrate your essay on the topic you have selected.

Direction and information on the topics can be found in the Module 4 readings.  You are encouraged to conduct additional readings and incorporate other authors’ insights on the topic you’ve chosen.  Please provide citations for additional sources you’ve quoted or draw from in your work.

Historians agree that the turn of the Twentieth Century was the most formative period in mass communication.  At a time when mass media were at the forefront of landmark social change, the advent of electronic communication brought the second mass communication revolution (after the printing press).  However, three outcomes of the period that bear on the modern day–reform, new technology, and big business–often escape recollection and contemplation.  Prominent are three related topics worthy of enlarged historical review:

* From the perspective of today, the “muckrakers” are distantly recalled as bygone forerunners of modern investigative reporters.  However, historians maintain that more definitively than today’s reporters, the “muckrakers” were responsible for shaping modern American life.  Is this true?  Why or why not?

* Today’s broadcasters complain they do not have full First Amendment rights.  They complain that because of decisions made at the advent radio they do not full “freedom of speech.”  They further complain that all print media including books, magazines, and newspapers–against which broadcasters must compete–do have full free speech rights.  Is this true?  Why or why not?

* Today’s journalists blame a “new environment” of corporate “fat cats” for gobbling media and merging/downsizing/closing unprofitable operations–a situation that makes the practice of journalism uncertain.  Yet historians insist there is no new environment or surprise, that what’s happening today with media mergers and layoffs was inevitable because of what started 120 years ago.  Is this true?  Why or why not?

Select one of the three topics for your essay.

Please submit your essay in the Canvas text box provided.

Rubric
Writing Assignment Rubric
Writing Assignment Rubric
Criteria    Ratings    Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Content
80 to >70.0 pts
Excellent
Writing is rich in content with insightful & sophisticated descriptions. The topic is explored in depth; student provided relevant, specific examples and used well-chosen resources.
70 to >60.0 pts
Good
Topic is explored sufficiently, but lacks in-depth insight. Examples may lack connection to the topic or may not be relevant to the assignment. The chosen resources may lack credibility.
60 to >0 pts
Fair
Writing might be vague, somewhat basic, or off-topic. Student did not use sufficient resources.
80 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome General Mechanics
10 to >7.0 pts
Excellent
Sentences are complex and flow well with no mechanic errors. Major points are stated clearly, supported by specific details, and organized logically.
7 to >5.0 pts
Good
Major points are stated clearly with few or no mechanical errors, supported by specific details, and organized logically.
5 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Sentences are not clear. Sentence structure and/or mechanical errors are so frequent that fluency and clarity are compromised. Organization is confusing.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Style
10 to >7.0 pts
Excellent
Writing follows correct formatting.
7 to >5.0 pts
Good
Writing mostly follows correct formatting.
5 to >0 pts
Needs Improvement
Writing does not follow formatting.
10 pts