Choose a political event that is currently making national headlines. It might be a story about a political election, political responses to natural disasters, the global economy, or a highly publicized criminal trial. This does not include popular entertainment stories. Over the course of the term, analyze how this story is being covered by the following: The local newspaper Major national newspapers (USA Today, the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal) Mainstream news magazines (Time, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report) Alternative magazines (The UTNE Reader, Harper’s Weekly, Mother Jones, In These Times) A local radio station National Public Radio (NPR) A local TV station Major networks (NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, CNN) The internet (chat rooms, websites, blogs) Late-night talk shows featuring topical comedy (such as Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show, The Late Show With David Letterman, or Jay Leno’s Tonight Show) Whatever else you come up with! Pay particular attention to the following: The amount of time or space devoted to the story The “tone” of the coverage (Is it supportive or critical? Is it purely factual or reflective of certain political opinions? Does it include specific, objective language or biased, inflammatory language?) This is an analytical research project where you will be following the case/event and using scholarly resources to guide your critical thinking throughout your report. As you discuss the topic, summarize your findings. What are the differences in how the story is covered (for example, local versus national media, print versus electronic media, one TV network versus another, and mainstream versus alternative press)? What are the similarities? Interpret your findings. What do these differences and similarities suggest about the people who run these media organizations? Whose political or economic interests are being served or undermined by the manner in which the story is being presented to the public? Which medium do you think is providing the most accurate, objective coverage? Why? If you have selected a criminal trial to research, make broad use of court reports as well. Tell the story as it is happening, and incorporate the scholarship in your analyses. Final Paper Instructions: Include an introduction that provides a clear statement of your position on the topic. Your paper must be at 8-10 pages in length, not counting the required title and reference pages. The paper should synthesize current, relevant research on your topic from at least 5 scholarly sources. Your paper must be properly cited and formatted according to the CSU-Global Guide to Writing and APA Requirements. The CSU-Global Library is a great place to find sources! Offer your conclusions regarding how best to manage the issue (i.e., your informed opinion on the issues raised). Your paper must demonstrate what you have learned about current issues related to experiences of race, gender, and ethnicity. Analyze how the many variables we’ve discussed in this course influence society by means of the manner in which your topic is portrayed in the media. Your paper is expected to have depth and offer a thoughtful analysis on the topic. It should be based on references to scholarly materials (rather than on introductory textbooks, popular website writings, or musings, for example). That is, support your claims with evidence. Your final paper will be graded not only on content, but also on the quality of your writing, including syntax and grammar. It is highly recommended that you closely proofread your assignment prior to submission.