Pop Culture Article Analysis

Canadian Popular Culture. SSC 212G
Article Analysis Assignment

You are expected to find 1 current news article from a credible media NEWS source (current Canadian newspaper, magazine) and analyze the contents based on learned class principles, theories, facts, and the prompts provided in this assignment.

Article Selection for the Assignment
 This article must relate to our course work so far this year (any of the topics covered: Sports, Music, Gender, Social Class, etc.)
 The article should cover a current (from the last two years) situation, controversy or policy that clearly is associated with a topic discussed this semester.
 The article should be about Canadians, from a Canadian source or Canadian in context/ nature. As this is a Canadian Pop Culture Class, this is very important. I know that we are heavily influenced by American pop culture, however, you should be able to find a Canadian source (newspaper, magazine) that discusses whatever topic you choose to explore.
 The article MUST be a news article from a reputable news source, like Global News, Toronto Star, CBC News, Windsor Star, etc. Articles from encyclopedias, research journals and scientific journals do NOT meet the requirements for this assignment and will receive an automatic grade of 0.
 Any articles that have been used as course material, (in the PowerPoints) are NOT permitted.
 If you are uncertain if an article meets the requirements, send a link to the article to the Instructor for approval prior to beginning the assignment.

Assignment Details
The format of your assignment should include: a summary, an analysis of the article content and your personal analysis of the article. Each of these three sections should have a bolded and underlined subtitle – Summary, Analysis of Article Content and Personal Analysis.

Summary – should be in a paragraph, outlining the main ideas in the article, IN YOUR OWN WORDS. If you do directly quote the article, use quotation marks and appropriate sourcing.

Analysis of Article Content – should be a minimum of a paragraph. You need to make a DIRECT LINK between the article and class material. Use your critical thinking skills to expand on the prompts given. Consider all or any of the following prompts…
• How does this link directly to course content?
• Does this reflect course content or is it in contradiction of what was presented in class?
• What does this say about our society in general? (what we see as important, what we value)
• What are the implications of the article – reflections of the mindsets of the people involved, influence on our youth, possible political policies that are or should be in place, the widespread acceptance of certain behaviours?
• Is this area of popular culture reflected positively or negatively in our Canadian society today? Could or should there be future ramifications?

Personal Insight – Provide and explain your opinion on the article content, drawing from your knowledge, insight and personal experiences. Provide evidence, either factual or antidotal to support every opinion/insight given. Consider all or any of the following prompts…
• Does the content surprise you or illicit any personal/emotional response?
• How do you personally connect with this content?
• Does this content relate to you as a future professional, as a voter, as a community member, as a Canadian?
• Are there any questions that this content raises for you?
• Does the content reflect your own personal pop culture experiences or contrast with them?

Assignment Format, Assessment and Requirements
 Please submit your work in Blackboard under the Assignments link. To do this: Click on the bolded and underlined title – Article Analysis Assignment and in the next window, submit using the buttons in the Assignment Submission section.
 Submit either a Microsoft Word document or PDF only.
 Check your SafeAssign score, to be sure you haven’t plagiarized.
 Use a minimum of 12 font size – font style and spacing choices are yours.
 Assignment should be written in paragraphs, with a separate subtitle for each section – Summary, Analysis of Article Content and Personal Analysis.
 There is no minimum or maximum word count. I am looking for the QUALITY of your analysis, not the QUANTITY.
 Use the attached rubric to help you successfully meet the assignment requirements.
 This assignment will be marked out of 15 and is worth 10 % of your final grade.
 Plagiarism of any kind results in an automatic grade of 0.

Article Analysis Rubric
Rubric
Summary of the Article 3 marks
-written in own words; highlights the main facts of the article 2 marks or less
-has excluded something of importance from the article; has excluded or not met the elements required
Analysis of the Content of the Article 5 marks
-direct link to course content; adequately addressed many of the given prompts for consideration; evidence of critical thought; responses supported with evidence (personal, anecdotal or factual) 4 marks or less
– has excluded or not met one or more the elements required; limited evidence of critical thought or evidence to support responses
Personal Insight of the Article 5 marks
-adequately addressed many of the given prompts for consideration; evidence of critical thought; responses supported with evidence (personal, anecdotal or factual) 4 marks or less
– has excluded or not met one or more the elements required; limited evidence of critical thought or evidence to support responses
Grammar/Spelling 1 mark
-no errors 0 marks
-errors made
Bibliography 1 mark
-included and complete with working hyperlink to article used in assignment 0 marks
-missing or incomplete