Framing Social Problems Assignment
How do controversial social problems tend to be framed in our culture and media in ways that distort issues, dismiss/ignore rational proof and credible empirical evidence, and misplace the bulk of blame on individuals? For this project assignment, I would you like you to choose a public problem and apply framing analysis in a way that highlights these dynamics. In this assignment you will combine many of the sociological concepts we have covered so far in the first few weeks of the course. Let me know if you would like to discuss potential ideas or options.
1. Determine which public problem you would like to analyze. Describe the problem and explain its public nature.
2. Define framing and explain how it can be applied to this particular public problem.
3. Analyze this social problem by applying the following framing analysis: Discuss how it is commonly framed and what is often highlighted and ignored by this framing. What is the effect of this framing?
4. Provide examples of data, facts, and credible empirical evidence established with a consensus of the scientific community about this public problem. Explain how this information can provide us with a more accurate picture to understand and effectively respond to the problem.
To share your project, create a Prezi (an online tool) or PowerPoint presentation with a series of slides. Include photographs that you have captured or images sourced from news media or the internet that can illustrate features of the public problem you analyze for this project. You can record an audio/video presentation with Kaltura and upload it here, or share your slides with an accompanying 500-600 word (approximately 2-page) paper that outlines the framing analysis of the public problem.
