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PART I: Newspaper
Analysis
Part II: Writing an Editorial
Part
I: Newspaper Analysis
INTRODUCTION
It is important for people to understand
that major newspapers typically have political leanings in much the same way as
do individuals (after all, the editor has the final say regarding whatever is
printed by his paper). A
major newspaper chain may own a number of papers, and those papers may take a
political position that reflects the beliefs of the chain’s owner/editor.
Thus, it is common for a newspaper to be described by such labels as
“centrist”, “conservative”, or “liberal”.
The Political leanings of newspapers can
emerge in subtle ways. For example,
a “conservative” newspaper may take a positive approach in reporting a
government action that reflects conservative philosophy.
This same paper may offer as well a more negative “spin” to a story
where a more “liberal” action has been undertaken. Newspapers also manipulate the news by deciding which stories
to “run”, where to place them in the paper, and how much “ink” to
provide them.
For this assignment, you are to examine
several newspaper (or news magazines) to determine the political leanings of
each.
INSTRUCTIONS
Using the links provided, select several
different newspapers (papers from the same day are preferable since you can
compare their coverage and selection of stories for a specific date).
Create an analysis and a report in which you determine the political
leanings of each paper (or chain of papers).
To do so, analyze the journalistic “slant” taken in each paper by
focusing on:
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What
emphasis is given to various stories? How
prominently displayed are various stories? (e.g., hidden on a back page in a single column, or a full
width headline story with photograph? – where in the order of the website
is the story located? Does it
have a long article, or a short one? Is
there a picture?) |
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What
political leanings are suggested by the commentary in the editorial and by
the writings of regular columnists? |
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Gather
evidence about each paper’s leanings by selecting excerpted
material, headlines, photographs, etc.
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Analyze
the evidence and highlight key words in the excerpts that indicate a
newspaper’s “spin” on stories reported.
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Assemble
your materials into a report that presents the material and your analysis.
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Wrap
up your report by summarizing
what your research has proven regarding the political leanings of the
newspapers analyzed (and/or the newspaper chains discovered).
Be sure to indicate clearly your conclusion by
ascribing a political description (such as “centrist”,
“conservative” or “liberal”) to each paper studied, referring to
your assembled evidence for support.
RESOURCES:
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The
Calgary Herald
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The Calgary
Sun
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The Edmonton
Journal
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The Edmonton
Sun
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The Globe and
Mail
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The National
Post
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EVALUATION:
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Developing (3)
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Satisfactory (5-8)
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Proficient (10)
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Total
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Time management
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Student did not use class time well
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Student generally used class time well
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Student used class time efficiently
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/10
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Supporting information
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Information from the sources was not appropriate
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Most of the information chosen was appropriate.
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Student selected and assembled appropriate
information from the sources
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/10
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Interpretation of the sources
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Student showed difficulty interpreting the sources
correctly
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Student generally interpreted sources correctly,
ideological leanings may or may not be correct.
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Student correctly interpreted the sources to
determine ideological leanings
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/10
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Analysis
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Student was not able to provide a correct analysis
for any of the newspapers studied.
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Student provided a correct analysis for most of the
newspapers studied.
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Student provided a thoughtful and correct analysis
for each newspaper studied.
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/20
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Conventions
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Editorial has many spelling and/or grammatical
errors, making the piece difficult to read.
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Minimal spelling and/or grammatical errors do not
detract from the message.
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Editorial is free of spelling and/or grammatical
errors.
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/10
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TOTAL
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/60
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Part
II: Writing an Editorial
INTRODUCTION:
A
less subtle way a newspaper demonstrates its political leanings is via the
editorial. The editorial is a
commentary, not a news story. The
commentary offers the paper’s position on issues of daily public concern.
An examination of the editorials of a newspaper over time can give the
observer a better grasp of the paper’s leanings.
For this assignment, you are to create an editorial in which you take a
position on a contemporary issue (a current event).
INSTRUCTIONS
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Assume
that you are the editor of a daily major newspaper.
Select an important issue of current concern and write your
editorial. Be sure that you: |
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Clearly
state your position on the issue |
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Communicate
to the readers why this is an issue of importance |
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Recognize
that there are a variety of opinions regarding the solution to the problem
that has created the issue |
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Support
your opinion with logical reasoning and suitable evidence and examples. |
In
preparation for this assignment, examine some newspaper editorials (resources
listed above) to develop a
better idea of how to create your version.
Make your editorial appear as realistic as possible.
You may use a word-processing program if you have access to a
computer/printer. Be sure that your
completed work is neatly finished and free of errors.
EVALUATION:
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Developing (3)
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Satisfactory (5-8)
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Proficient (10)
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Total
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Time management
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Student did not use class time well
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Student generally used class time well
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Student used class time efficiently
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/10
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Position
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Student did not provide a clear position.
The issue discussed was inappropriate and/or irrelevant
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Student provided an editorial with a fairly clear
position on a somewhat relevant issue.
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Student provided an editorial with a clear position
on an appropriate issue
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/10
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Examples and support (x2)
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Examples chosen did not support the editorial
position
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Examples chosen supported the editorial position
adequately.
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Student supported the editorial position with
appropriate, well-chosen, correct examples.
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/20
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Conventions
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Editorial has many spelling and/or grammatical
errors, making the piece difficult to read.
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Minimal spelling and/or grammatical errors do not
detract from the message.
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Editorial is free of spelling and/or grammatical
errors.
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/10
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TOTAL
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/50
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