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In recent years there has been a considerable increase in the circulation and consumption of ‘raw’ footage, in particular during periods of crisis or disaster. Using examples, critically discuss how far this might be viewed as a positive and/or negative development.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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Referring to one or more examples, develop an argument that critically evaluates how far innovative forms of media activism, facilitated by the affordances of mobile and digital media, may be seen to effectively challenge the power relations that have been historically characteristic of crisis reporting?

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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Referring to one or more examples in developing your response, develop an argument that critically evaluates the value and/or problems of ‘celebrity humanitarianism’ as a means for increasing awareness of, and addressing, human suffering and/or global issues.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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The problem of images and perception cannot be separated from the methodology of intervention’ (Nash and van der Gaag 1987: 77). Referring to a particular area of, and/or one or more examples of, either crisis reporting or humanitarian campaigning, develop an argument that evaluates the significance of representation for humanitarian outcomes.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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Despite the well-documented limitations of crisis reporting, it remains the case that an understanding of the 'media logic' through which public knowledge of humanitarian issues is largely constituted is central to any efforts to addressing those issues.’ Using this statement as a starting point, discuss the question of how far humanitarian campaigners should incorporate ‘media logics’, taking into consideration both their potential contribution and shortcomings for achieving humanitarian goals.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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‘Global crisis’ refers to a range of contemporary experiences and phenomena, and to frames that provide ways of knowing and engaging with those experiences, both of which are products of complex social relationships. Using this statement as a starting point, and referring to at least one example or area of crisis reporting, develop an argument that critically reflects on how media are implicated in the social production of crisis.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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6) While it is easy to morally denounce journalists and point to problematic forms of coverage, confronting the challenges of crisis reporting requires a deeper analysis. Referring to examples, develop an argument that identifies logistical, ethical, professional and personal issues confronting journalists reporting crises and discusses how these are, or might be, addressed.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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5) ‘The environment’ does not simply refer to an externally existing ‘natural world’, but is both a product of, and is experienced and responded to through, historical and contemporary ways of knowing and understanding it. Using this statement as a starting point, critically reflect on the significance of media coverage of environmental crisis.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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4) Far from enabling serious engagement with the causes and impacts of humanitarian crises, media coverage actually contributes to the perpetuation of endemic crisis. Discuss this statement, providing an argument for why you agree and/or disagree with it.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.

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3) 'Let the atrocious images haunt us. Even if they are only tokens, and cannot possibly encompass most of the reality to which they refer, they still perform a vital function. The images say: ‘This is what human beings are capable of doing – may volunteer to do, enthusiastically, self-righteously. Don’t forget.' (Sontag, 2003, p. 102) Taking this statement as a starting point, and referring to one or more examples, develop an argument that assesses the importance and/or limitations of media imagery of human suffering.

Essay requirement
 
Where the Media Report calls on students to provide a focused empirical study, the essay provides you with an opportunity to both demonstrate and further your understanding of key concepts and research studies relating to global crisis reporting.  Essay titles will be designed to assess the degree to which, through independent research, you are able to meet the subject objectives.  Note that these objectives emphasise students’ own capacities to demonstrate and apply critical understanding, which necessarily involves independent research and critical thinking.  In assessing essays, the following criteria will be applied:

  • the degree to which the essay engages clearly and productively with the problem, issue or debate addressed in the research question
  • the degree to which a clearly structured, well-argued and convincing response is developed that draws support from relevant evidence and theoretical work, while considering and responding to alternative arguments and/or potential objections?
  • the degree to which the essay demonstrates critical understanding of key theories and methodologies, and engage with the practical implications of research findings;
  • the degree to which, in the context of an argument, the student is able to draw on relevant ideas and examples, apply capacities of critical logic in engaging with them, and demonstrate original thinking;
  • the degree to which the student has organised their argument so that it is  logical and convincing;
  • the degree to which the essay is clearly written and presented, in conformity with academic protocols of research presentation.

Remember to engage with, and develop a response to, the question as stated. Obviously, in answering your chosen essay question you should seek to draw on case studies, issues, themes and theoretical positions discussed across the course and seek to marshal these into a coherent, consistent and convincing argument. The essay is weighted as 50% of the overall grade.