1. Comparative Discussion Paper
Format: Coursework
Learning Outcomes
K3: Identify key players in the creative media industries and discuss their interplay with
wider cultural, economical, political and geographical phenomena;
S2: Present an objective argument succinctly in written form employing a standard
referencing system;
S4: Discuss culture and communication in different media disciplines (audio, picture, film,
web).
Overview
The Comparative Discussion Paper requires you to demonstrate your knowledge on your
own discipline as well as another chosen discipline. Students are to develop and present
an insightful discussion into a digital content provider (chosen from the list below) that is
relevant to your discipline. Students should then compare and contrast an aspect of this
provider with a provider for another medium. Choose from one of the following digital
content providers:
• Amazon • Humblebundle • Pandora • Vimeo
• Bandcamp • Indiegala • Ponoko • YouTube
• BBC iPlayer • iTunes • Shapeways
• Blinkbox • Netflix • Spotify !
• GOG • NowTV • Steam
It is important that you develop a specific focus for your project to ensure that your
submission will have clear and consistent theme
Requirements
! 2400 words (±10%, not including quoted materials);
! You must develop a specific focus for your Comparative Discussion Paper;
! You must consider at least one of the following aspects: cultural, economic, political
or geographical influences on the digital content provider;
! Source quotes and other materials (pictures, charts, music etc.) from a variety of
sources should be used to support the analysis;
! All sources used must be referenced using the Harvard Referencing System;
! At least two books and two academic peer-reviewed journal articles (paper or online
publications) must be used in preparing your work (sources may be in any language);
! The essay must be submitted to both your blog (see Online Portfolio) and to TurnItIn;
! The essay must be formatted in accordance to the Formatting Guidelines;
! The paper must include:
! Title Page
! Table of Contents & List of Figures/Tables (if necessary)
! Introduction
! Main body with clearly defined chapters (if necessary)
! Conclusion
! Reference List (using the Harvard Referencing system)
Learning Objectives
On successful completion of this assignment the student should be able to:
! Describe and explain how an aspect of the creative media industries function and
discuss current issues, concerns, policies and attitudes that impact on industry
operations;
! Identify key players in the creative media industries and discuss their interplay with
wider cultural, economical, political and geographical phenomena;
! Discuss culture and communication in different media disciplines (audio, picture, film,
web);
! Discuss the development of the industry;
! Describe and illustrate the impact of technology upon the nature of creative media;
! Transfer skills in organising and compiling data to specific relevant industry settings;
! Present an objective argument succinctly in written form employing a standard
referencing system
Assessment Criteria
! Adherence to brief;
! Demonstration of a good knowledge of the subject;
! Demonstration of the ability to analyse and discuss;
! Well structured and developed arguments;
! Use of quotes/references and other supporting materials;
! Citation of key sources with appropriate bibliography;
! Use of language.