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14.2: Media and Politics - Classroom Activity

  • Page ID
    231704
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    A Classroom Discussion

    1. Discuss with a seat neighbor: what does it means that "the media frame the issue?"
    Note down your answers, informed by the assigned readings in this module.media bias image.jpeg

    2. Small Group Discussion
    In groups of 3 or 4. discuss all of the following questions, taking notes:

    A. Crash Course Perspective:
    - What are the main functions of media in a democracy?
    - What are the advantages and limitations of different media types?

    B. LIS101 Perspective:
    - How do media tools (framing, false balance, misinformation) impact how we view science and politics?
    - How do these tools affect debates about issues like climate change, vaccines, or DEI?

    C. People Matters Perspective:
    - How have the media portrayed the backlash against DEI initiatives?
    - What role does political ideology play in shaping corporate DEI reporting?

    D. Synthesis Questions:
    - How would conservative-leaning and liberal-leaning media outlets frame the same DEI story differently?
    - How can we protect ourselves against bias or manipulation in media content?

    3. Whole-Class Debrief
    - Did any of you change your mind during discussion?
    - What surprised you about how DEI is being framed?
    - What’s the connection between media literacy and democratic citizenship?

    Evaluation Rubric

    Criteria Excellent (4 pts) Good (3 pts) Fair (2 pts) Needs Improvement (1 pt)
    Preparation Completed all readings/videos; came prepared with notes or key points Completed most of the assigned materials and participated actively Some evidence of preparation; limited contribution to discussion Unprepared; did not complete assignments; minimal participation
    Participation Consistently contributed thoughtful comments and questions Participated regularly and showed understanding of materials Spoke occasionally; comments sometimes off-topic or unclear Rarely participated; did not engage in discussion
    Collaboration Listened actively; encouraged others; built on others’ ideas Showed respect and teamwork; mostly collaborative Participated with group but showed limited engagement Disruptive or uncooperative in group work
    Understanding of Content Demonstrated strong grasp of media framing, bias, and DEI concepts Understood main ideas with occasional gaps Some misunderstandings or confusion about key concepts Did not show understanding of the material
    Critical Thinking Made insightful connections between sources and real-world media Identified and discussed bias or framing with some analysis Basic analysis attempted; lacked depth or clarity Little or no analysis of media or framing


    14.2: Media and Politics - Classroom Activity is shared under a CC BY-NC license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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