Journalism and Publishing in the Digital Age
Assignment: Final Project and Presentation
Due: Wednesday, Dec. 11
Over the course of this semester, we have examined and debated the future of
journalism and publishing in the digital age — both through the lens of the changing
media industry and through your personal news consumption habits. This final project
will allow you to bring these themes together to reflect on the material we have learned
and to share your personal views on the future of news.
The final project will consider of three parts as follows:
Reflection on Personal Media Consumption (2 pages)
At the start of the semester, you were asked to consume at least 20 minutes of news
per day. And for your media diary entries, you have been engaging with the news
through different platforms and analyzing how information is presented. Now, complete
a two-page reflection that summarizes your personal media use and lessons you have
learned as a news consumer.
In this paper, you should:
– Discuss how your media consumption has changed, if at all, compared to the
start of the semester.
– Reflect on the positive and negative experiences you have had as a news
consumer, and whether your perspective on journalism has changed.
– Explain whether your own news consumption habits reflect some of the trends
we have studied in class about how the population at large now consumes news.
– Finally, discuss whether you believe your media consumption habits will change
going forward in both your personal life and professional career.
Reflections on the Digital Landscape (3 pages)
Using your knowledge of the digital media landscape from your research and work in
this course, outline your vision for the best way forward to inform news consumers in
the digital age. Write a three-page exploration that can include commentary from media
critics, examples from the digital media sites the class has shared, your readings, and
the skills you’ve gained as a skeptical news consumer.
Key questions to consider: What approach to covering the news represents the best
chance for informing the public? How can journalism restore public trust in its coverage?
What are your thoughts on the most promising business models for journalism’s future?
If you are passionate about quality journalism in the digital age, here is your chance to
show it. If you are skeptical and pessimistic, make the argument for your viewpoint.
Presentation (5-7 minutes)
The purpose of this presentation is to make your argument to the class about the best
way forward to inform news consumers in the digital age. You should create 5 slides
based on your reflection paper that outline your arguments. You should also incorporate
visuals that support your argument, including charts, graphs, news clips, or digital media
examples. You should use Microsoft PowerPoint or any other presentation software for
your presentation. You will have about 5-7 minutes for your presentation.
Your presentation will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
1. Preparedness (20%): You must be prepared for your presentation. Be on time and
post your presentation on Canvas before the class (the day of your presentation). You
will be given 5-7 minutes to finish your presentation. If you go over time, you will be
penalized. You must not read the slides or flashcards. Flashcards and slides must only
be used as a guide.
2. Presentation (20%): You should demonstrate your knowledge of the theories and the
topics that we have learned this semester. Your presentation should not be more than 5
slides long. It should have title and introduction, findings and conclusion slides. There
should be no grammar and spelling mistakes.
3. Content (60%): Your presentation should demonstrate a clear point of view that is
supported by research and information learned in this class and derived from outside
readings, videos and podcasts. It’s important to remember you are being asked to offer
an informed opinion (i.e. what you think). You are not simply restating information.
