Assingments % - Understanding the Role of [Chosen Technology] in the Communication Ecosystem

APA Style: Pick any one of the communication technology sectors over-viewed in Chapters 6-14 (e.g., Cinema, Radio, E-Books, etc.) and give an overview of how this technology operates within the technological ecosystem. That is, how users, software, content, hardware and the organizational infrastructure make up its social system. You may want to bolster your paper with a discussion of theory, industry and policy as described in chapters 3-5. Feel free to bring in examples from the news, including the blogs and newspapers you listed for Lab Assignment 1.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Essay

This essay requires you to:
Reflect on the tensions between your personal beliefs and interests regarding Civil Rights protests and/or Bloody Sunday.
Take a clear, arguable stance on the topic.
Support your position with at least three outside sources (APA format).
Make a historical connection between Irish Civil Rights and another global event.

Step 2: Structure Your Essay

Your paper should be 4-6 pages and follow a structured format:

1. Introduction (1 paragraph)

Introduce the topic (Civil Rights protests and/or Bloody Sunday).
Provide historical context to set up your discussion.
End with a strong thesis statement:
- Clearly state your stance on the topic.
- Make sure your position is specific, arguable, and grounded in your core values.

Example Thesis Statement:
“The events of Bloody Sunday mirror the American Civil Rights Movement, highlighting a global pattern of state violence against peaceful protesters, which continues to shape civil rights activism today.”

2. Body Paragraphs (At least 3 main points)

Each paragraph should focus on a distinct argument that supports your thesis.

Paragraph 1: Historical Connection

Compare Bloody Sunday or the Irish Civil Rights Movement with another historical event (e.g., the American Civil Rights Movement, South African Apartheid, etc.).
Example Connection: Compare Ivan Cooper (Irish Civil Rights leader) with Martin Luther King Jr.
Use a cited source to support your argument.

Paragraph 2: Personal Reflection & Ethical Tensions

Discuss how the events challenge or align with your personal beliefs.
Explore your ethical stance on state violence, civil disobedience, or protest movements.
Reference a class text (e.g., Ten Men Dead or The Diary of Bobby Sands).

Paragraph 3: Modern-Day Implications

Connect the historical event to current civil rights issues (e.g., Black Lives Matter, Palestinian protests, etc.).
Argue how lessons from history should shape our responses to injustice today.
Support your claim with another outside source.

3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Restate your main argument in a fresh way.
Summarize how historical events shape your perspective on activism and justice.
End with a powerful closing thought that leaves an impact.

Step 3: Formatting & Citation Guidelines

APA Citation Format (In-text citations & full reference list).
4-6 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins).
Reference Page (APA format, separate from the main text).
Submit Final Version to Blackboard before the deadline.

Step 4: Review & Final Submission

First Draft: Bring your paper to the Writing Center at least two weeks before submission.
Final Draft: Proofread for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
Upload to Blackboard before the deadline.

By following this guide, you’ll create a well-structured and compelling essay that meets all the requirements!