Ben Adler, in his article Streams of Consciousness, asks How does it change the value of journalism to strip away the context that a credible publication provides? For your first essay assignment I want you to use your text and personal experience to answer this question and to discuss how we acquire news in general. Consider the following questions:
How has technology changed the availability of information?
How do you receive your news?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of your own methods of obtaining news?
You will need to give credit for information from the text or other sources. Since this is an interdisciplinary class you can use MLA citation rules. You can find information on MLA online. For example, check out the Purdue Online Writing Lab ( https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_style_introduction.html ). Additional assistance can also be found at TCTCs Tutoring Center ( https://www.tctc.edu/life-at-tctc/student-services-and-support/tutoring-services/ )
General Essay Guidelines
The essay will need to be at least two full pages. This is just a minimum. A two page essay is the equivalent of surviving on nothing but bread and water. You can do it, but you probably will not be happy with the results. Failure to meet the two page minimum will result in a 10 point penalty.
Each essay should be a Word document, double-spaced, and in a 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Use 1 margins for the essay. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a 10 point penalty.
Put the title of the document at the top of the page, centered, with your name and class section. Space down no more than twice. Those who try to pad the length of their paper by spacing down many times may not like the grade they receive. The heading and initial spaces will not count towards the two page length of your essay. I want to see at least two pages of actual essay.
Essays must be submitted through the appropriate link in the Essay Information folder under Course Content as a Word (.doc or .docx) attachment.
Use correct spelling and grammar and write in complete sentences. This is an essay, so, you will also need an introduction (with an appropriate thesis that addresses all of the guiding questions), a conclusion and supporting paragraphs (meaning each paragraph should support the thesis made in your introduction).
Use quotation marks for words taken directly from your textbook or other sources and make sure the source is clear. Use parenthetical citations providing the author and page number for direct quotes or paraphrased ideas.
No late essays, even one second after the deadline, will be accepted. You may submit your essay at any point from the beginning of the course until the due date. That means that there is no excuse for not getting your essay in on time. Plan for the unexpected and submit your essays early.
Keep in mind that I am available to review rough drafts (I will provide feedback on content), but I do not have unlimited time. I suggest you ask me questions about your essay assignments long before (at least 1-2 weeks) they are due.
