Start Here
For the discussion item this week, you need to find no fewer than 4 articles about a mass shooting in recent US history (i.e. the last 10 years).
Each of the articles must come from a different source and sources need to be from widely known and respected outlets. For example, articles from reputable news sources are great but do not use articles from untrustworthy or disreputable sources (e.g. tabloids, gossip magazines). You must cite each of your sources in APA format.
Requirements for Your Initial Post
Read the articles and then write a short (350-500 words) analysis based on what we have covered this week. You’ll want to scrutinize the articles to see if they portray the shooting accurately based on research knowledge or if they put a ‘spin’ on it. Your initial post is due by Thursday at 11:59 pm CST. Some quick reminders of things we’ve covered that you may want to look for:
-
-
-
-
-
- Implying the shooter is mentally ill and dangerous
- Calling them a psychopath
- Saying the shooter “snapped”
- Does the article’s author seem to have an agenda they are trying to push?
- Leaving the reader with the sense that these shootings are common and imminent
- Did it include any statistics? If so, were they accurately portrayed to leave the reader with factual information?
-
-
-
-
The goal of this week’s discussion is to demonstrate the media’s role in perpetuating myths about these types of events. Scrutinize the articles closely and use the subjects we’ve covered this week as the lens through which you analyze the content. What message does the reader come away with? Be sure to include citations for the articles you use.
Important Note from the Instructor