Mini-Paper #2: Representing Nations in Media
Purpose: In this assignment you will practice media analysis while integrating theories of nationhood and nationalism into your work.
Prompt: In this paper, you will choose a single media object that originated outside of the United States and analyze representations of nations, cultures, or nationhood in that media object. I have provided a list of suggested media objects below.
As you watch, read, or research your media object, consider the following questions:
Where and when did this media object originate? How do you know?
Who is the expected audience for this media object? How can you tell?
How are deictic words (we, they, us, the, etc.) used in this object? Do you see instances of banal nationalism? What community is the audience assumed to share?
What nations or cultures are represented (depicted and/or stood for, spoken for) in this media object? How are they represented?
What communities are being imagined in this media object?
After carefully analyzing your media object and considering these questions, come up with a thesis statement to center your paper. Your thesis statement should answer the question: How are nations, cultures, or nationhood represented in [your media object]?
Write an organized paper that answers this question and supports your thesis using evidence from the media object and from our class reading. You must cite at least one source that we have read in class, but the bulk of your evidence should come from the media object itself.
Summary of Requirements:
Length: 3-5 pages, not counting references
Format and citations: Use APA format (Links to an external site.) and cite all sources according to APA 7th You do not need a title page, an abstract, or a running head, but you do need to follow other APA guidelines for font, margins, etc. Your paper must include both in-text citations and a reference sheet in APA style.
Sources: You must cite the media object that you choose to analyze in proper APA style. You must also cite at least one source from our class reading.
Content: Analyze representations of nations, cultures, or nationhood.
Some suggestions for media objects: (write paper about one)
Korean Literature Now magazine (print, two available; please return when finished)
Peppa Pig “Peppa Goes to Paris on a Ferry but Mummy Doesn’t Feel Well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQLhUU5esIE
The Great Pottery Throw Down S4E8 (HBO Max)
Kim’s Convenience, any episode (Netflix)
** Choose one of the attached files for the source needed **
