Media Studies: Home

Identify and Develop a Topic

Selecting a research topic is much like deciding on a travel destination. Once you have narrowed your ideas to an interesting subject, write down a brief statement about this topic. For example: "Rock groups of the 60s, their popularity and major influence on the music industry."  Once the topic is selected, write down specific questions that you'll want to answer. The research process will drive your destination. Your original topic may develop into something entirely different. You may choose to follow an alternate path and go down a different road.

Find Background Information

After determining the topic, you can map out your route. You must identify the types of sources that will provide the information needed, then determine where to find these sources. Types of sources that should be considered include books, periodicals, the Internet, and other libraries (through interlibrary loan).

The key to finding books is the online library catalog called Discovery.  Search in Discovery by selecting a keyword that best describes your topic. You can also search by title, author, subject, or keyword. In addition to books, the catalog allows you to search for periodicals, government documents, audiovisual material, and Special Collections.   

 If you get lost during your sight-seeing trip, stop and ask directions. The following reference sources will be most useful to acquire quick answers to any questions you may have.

•  Begin with Encyclopedias, then to get off the main drag, use Subject Encyclopedias.

•  What does it mean?  Use a Dictionary.       

•  How much, how many?  Find Statistical Information.

•  Who?  Find Biographical Information.

•  How can I get in touch?  Use a Directory.

•  Where do I go from here?  Bibliographies.

Find Journal Articles

Periodicals include newspapers, magazines, and journals. They are published regularly, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. Journals are periodicals containing articles written by experts in a particular field of study. If the researcher wrote the article, is it a primary source. If reporters write the article, such as in popular magazines, it is a secondary source. Typically, journal articles contain extensive bibliographies that lead to additional sources.

Journal List - If there is a specific journal that you are looking for, this will take you directly to McFarlin's holdings.

Discovery - If there is a specific article that you are looking for, you can search Summon with that article's title.

Database List - If you don't have a specific journal or article in mind, then McFarlin's databases will allow you to search multiple journals with a keyword.

Critical Analysis

One of the primary forms of writing in media studies is critical analysis. This involves analyzing and interpreting various media texts (films, TV shows, advertisements, social media posts, etc.) through the lens of media theory and criticism. The goal is to unpack the underlying meanings, ideologies, and cultural significance of media representations.

Introduction

• Provide context about the specific media text (film, TV show, advertisement, etc.) being analyzed
• Clearly state your thesis - the main argument or interpretation you will make about the text

Summary

• Give a brief, objective summary of the media text's content, genre, creators, etc.
• Avoid excessive detail or plot summary - just enough to orient the reader

Analysis

Representations and Ideologies

• Examine how different identities (gender, race, class, sexuality, etc.) are represented in the media text.
• Analyze the underlying ideologies, values, and assumptions being promoted through these representations.
• Provide specific examples and evidence from the text to support your analysis.

Symbolism and Meanings

• Unpack the symbolic meanings, metaphors, and connotations present in the text's visuals, language, and narrative techniques.
• Discuss how these symbolic elements reinforce or challenge dominant cultural narratives and power structures.

Stylistic and Narrative Techniques

• Analyze the stylistic choices made by the creators (camerawork, editing, lighting, sound, etc.) and their potential effects.
• Examine the narrative structure, point-of-view, and storytelling devices employed.
• Explore how these techniques shape the viewer's experience and interpretation.

Audience and Effects

• Consider the intended target audience for this media text and how it may be positioned to appeal to them.
• Discuss the potential influences and impacts the text could have on audience attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Theoretical Frameworks

• Ground your analysis in relevant media theories and critical approaches (semiotics, feminist theory, postcolonial theory, etc.).
• Apply these theoretical lenses to interpret the deeper cultural meanings and significance of the text.

Conclusion

• Restate your central argument/interpretation
• Highlight key findings from your analysis
• Discuss broader implications and significance within media studies