Prompt: Select one or a series of objects, media texts or technological features (news coverage of an event, a social media page, a photo, a video clip, a TV series, a film, a statue, an app etc.) and analyze its/their representation of time and/or memory and its relation to collective belonging, drawing on the academic literature. – Answer the question by formulating your own question and answer it – The case choice directs the literature selection and provides a structure for the discussion – Think of the academic literature as your evidence – Provide a roadmap – Include some quotes – Start with readings and supplement with the literature relevant to your case.

I’m open to any ideas of media texts or technological features to analyze for this assignment. I can provide readings on topics related to – Colonial, De-Colonial, and Post-Colonial Time – Nationalism & ‘Our Past’ – Collective Action, Generations, & the Mobilization of Time – Witnessing War & Trauma – Reporting & Archiving Histories – Pop Culture Time – Speed & Experiences of Time – Mediating Scientific Pasts & Futures

This paper needs to be written in MLA format using examples and references from texts and readings (which I will provide). It should be 3,000 words in length and should also be appropriately and correctly referenced using a standard bibliographic format. I will provide the appropriate slides, readings, etc. as well as multiple readings. Make sure the paragraphs are not a series of quotations; please paraphrase the work of others and elaborate as much as possible on key points.

Tips:

Argument and understanding

• clearly define any key concepts or theoretical approaches mentioned in the question and include references to authors.

• ensure to address all aspects of the question in an even manner.

• do not feel under pressure to agree with the statement but instead weigh up arguments in favour and against the statement and then adopt a position. One-dimensional arguments are always easy to critique.

Analysis

• ensure that theory and case/examples are integrated (if applicable to your question).

• explore potential counterarguments or reflect on the limitations of your argument, and then argue why your original position still holds. This adds nuance to your argument, and will make it more difficult to critique your position.

• critical engagement/reflection is important for a distinction.

Use of case studies and examples (does not apply to all questions)

• try as much as possible to use fresh case studies (if applicable to your question) instead of drawing on cases from the compulsory readings.

• If you still decide to use a case from the compulsory readings, then please ensure to do further research on the topic so that your essay does not just replicate what was discussed in class.

• Originality is an important requirement for a distinction.

Organisation of essay

• introduce the topic of your essay as well as the structure in the beginning of your essay. You may also wish to state already what you are going to argue in your essay.

• include a strong conclusion which does not only sum up the key argument of the essay but goes further than that. Step out of your case study and reflect on the broader implications of the points raised (e.g. what does this mean for debates in media and communication studies?) or you can explore potential future areas of research.