This is a "common" short essay that the department usually assigns to all sections of COMM 228/J 201. The purpose is to attempt to measure "media literacy" and critical thinking across a broad range of students (more than one section). . In a 2-3 page, double-spaced essay, respond to one of the five writing topics listed. Please copy and paste the topic at the top of your first page. . In your response, analyze the topic using specific evidence such as examples and/or statistics. . Incorporate at least three (3) specific concepts/theories/terms/definitions from the module lessons and/or the textbook from the entire term. Cite where you got the information (page and/or chapter number from the textbook or Module number for the lesson). . You can utilize the critical process structure (p. 23) if you want. Critical Thinking topics for Media Literacy assessment (select one to answer for this paper): 1. Digitization of content has affected our consumption and interaction with book media. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend? In what ways can digitization help to either sustain or make obsolete the traditional book, especially the textbook? 2. In what ways can television transcend popular entertainment and naturally facilitate social and cultural change? Give an example of a television program -- either past or present -- that has achieved this goal (If you critiqued a TV show for Assignment #3, do not use the same show for this paper) 3. How has the evolution of Web 2.0 and social networking changed our understanding about and participation in "community" in the 21st century? To what extent, are these changes improving or hampering society? [Web 2.0, a term devised to differentiate the post-dotcom bubble World Wide Web, with its emphasis on social networking, content generated by users, and cloud computing from that which came before] 4. Describe a recent example of how the spread of a particular Internet meme (or GIF...or hashtag) has caused either a destructive or a productive change in the national discourse about an important social, cultural or political issue. 5. Explain why sexuality is used so often in product advertising, especially on television and in magazines. Describe one important aspect of this advertising approach that you feel is having either a positive, or negative, widespread cultural impact. Your paper will: Contain an introduction with your argument, and a conclusion recapping how you proved your argument. Contain a body with a description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation Incorporate at least three (3) specific concepts/theories/terms/definitions from any module lesson and/or the textbook. Cite where you got the information (page number or chapter number from the textbook or Module number for the lesson). Contain specific, detailed evidence . Be two-three (2-3) pages long . Use standard 12 point font (Helvetica, Arial, etc.), double-spaced; no extra spaces between paragraphs Be evaluated partly on spelling/grammar