Copyright has become one of the key battlegrounds in the struggle over media, communication, and culture. Through a specific case study, explore how copyright works, what the key debates are, and how copyright shapes that specific media case. Do current copyright laws limit or enhance forms of expression? Are there alternative models that might work better?

This is a two-part assignment that will culminate in an essay that combines course material with your own research. The first step is to produce an essay proposal or outline indicating your proposed project. Based on the feedback that you receive on this outline, you will then write the full essay. The purpose of the assignment is to help you more closely consider some of the concepts, ideas and terminology discussed in class and the readings, and to develop their implications through research. Late penalty: 2% per day (unless proper medical documentation is provided) NOTE: Assignments that are more than two weeks late will receive 0. Essay proposal/outline The essay proposal/outline should have the following three elements: Key questions: an outline of the key questions or debates that your paper will seek to address. You can give a tentative thesis, but generally you will not know your thesis until you complete your research (approx. 150-200 words). Essay outline: an overview of the different sections or themes that you will discuss and how they fit together. This is where you could indicate the course readings, theories, or concepts you may be using (approx. 150-200 words). An annotated bibliography of possible sources for the essay based on your research. You should have a minimum of 5 sources, none of them course readings. These must include at least one scholarly book (not a textbook), one scholarly journal article, and one credible web-based source. Annotations for each source should be between 100 and 150 words, and should include a) a very brief outline of the content and b) a discussion of how the source will be used in the essay (see links to annotated bibliography guides under ‘useful documents and links on Moodle site). Plagiarism of any written assignment is punishable by failure of the course. Be sure to hand in both an electronic copy and a paper copy of your paper, and be sure to save your research notes and rough drafts. Topics 1. Copyright has become one of the key battlegrounds in the struggle over media, communication, and culture. Through a specific case study, explore how copyright works, what the key debates are, and how copyright shapes that specific media case. Do current copyright laws limit or enhance forms of expression? Are there alternative models that might work better? 2. What roles can community media play in providing alternatives to dominant media sources? What challenges or limitations do community media face, including those resulting from commercial pressures and influences? Starting from these general questions, develop a case study of one specific community media source. 3. What is concentration of media ownership? Why is it an issue in Canada? What are the impacts of concentration of ownership on democratic forms of communication? Through a specific case study focused on a social or political issue, develop a response to these questions that considers the impact of media concentration, as well as possible policy or other solutions. 4. Historically, what role has the CBC played in the Canadian broadcasting system? With the proliferation of communications technology, and what some claim to be ever expanding choice in media products, is there a future for the CBC and public broadcasting? Discuss. 5. Digital media have enabled media convergence and concentration of ownership, but also given rise to new forms of decentralized communication. Through the examination of a specific case study, discuss how this has impacted on a specific media sector or social issue. How are convergence/concentration and decentralization evident in this case study? What are the social, political, and/or cultural consequences for media and communication? 6. What is “media imperialism” (also called “cultural imperialism”)? Focusing your research either on Canada or another country/region, discuss how media imperialism manifests itself there. What are the ways in which that country or region has responded to this perceived threat, and to what extent have they been successful? Are there limits to the concept of ‘media imperialism? 7. What is the National Film Board (NFB)? What role has it played in the development of film in Canada? What issues does it currently face? What do role do you think the NFB should play in the future? 8. What is globalization? What is the role of communication technology in this process? Develop a case study demonstrating the political/economic/cultural impacts this process has had; this case study can come from Canada or another context. 9. With written permission from your T.A. you may write on a topic of your choice that is relevant to the themes, issues, and ideas covered in this course. Write up a brief (one paragraph) proposal that your TA will approve and sign; you MUST then attach to your submitted essay. Grading criteria Understanding of the course material; effective selection of relevant outside sources; ability to explain, assess, and use all the sources effectively. Clarity of presentation (see ‘essay format’ above). Especially important is a clear argument, supported by evidence, that takes into consideration the debates in the area. Effective use of any relevant course concepts, theories, or approaches. Effectively addressing any comments made on the essay proposal/outline. Originality of thinking.