Write an essay that compares and contrasts the way that a particular theme or topic is presented in the media in the US with the way it is presented in the media in the student’s home country.

Write 2 page essay that compares and contrasts the way that a particular theme or topic is presented in the media in the US with the way it is presented in the media in the student’s home country. This paper must show an analysis of the similarities and differences between the depictions of the theme/topic in the media of the two countries, and not just describe how the topic is portrayed.

Students will choose 2 media sources in total, 1 from media in the US, and 1 from media CHINA. They can choose one commercial, one news item, and/or one entertainment source (e.g. movie, TV show, etc.). Check with the instructor with regard to the quality/appropriateness of the media source. Examples of possible themes are families, sport, cars, religion, and politics.

The essay should include a thesis statement that clearly shows the purpose of the essay. (E.g. “Media in the US portrays pets, such as cats and dogs, as being an equal member of the family and essential to having a happy life, while the media in China portrays such animals as …..”) The sources should be described well enough so that someone who has not seen them will understand the content. The similarities and differences in the treatment of the theme and/or the media message about the theme should be described in detail. In the conclusion, there should be a clear connection between the treatment of the theme in the chosen media messages and the idea that “Media constructs our culture”. The essay should follow one of the methods of organization for comparison/contrast learned in class.