Black Media Studies – Final Paper Instructions MDSC23H3 – Fall 2025 Final Paper

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Black Media Studies – Final Paper Instructions

MDSC23H3 – Fall 2025

Final Paper
Due Date: November 30th, 11:59 PM
Submission: Upload to Quercus
File Type: Word Document
Length: 3 pages (double-spaced) or 1.5 pages (single-spaced)
Font: 12-point Times New Roman

Assignment Overview

Each student must write a 3-page double-spaced final paper reflecting on the topic of the documentary project completed by their group.

  • This is not a group assignment.
  • Do not report on what group members did or how tasks were divided.
  • The paper must focus on the topic, presenting your own personal, informed point of view.

Formatting Requirements

  1. No numbering, bullet points, or subheadings in the paper itself.
  2. Do not label sections (e.g., “Introduction,” “Conclusion”).
  3. Write in clear paragraph form.
  4. No extra spaces between paragraphs.
  5. Each paragraph should be about 6 sentences.
  6. Do not exceed the page limit.
  7. Proofread for grammar and spelling.
  8. Include in-text citations for all quotations.
  9. Use any academic citation style: APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Paper Structure Guide

Title Page

(Not included in page count.)
Include:

  • Your name
  • Course name
  • Professor’s name
  • Date
  • An original, interesting title for your paper

Introduction

  • Clearly explain the topic of your paper.
  • Provide background information and introduce the key arguments you will discuss.
  • Do not describe group work or issues.
  • End with a clear roadmap foreshadowing your argument (e.g., “In this paper I will argue…”).

Body

The body is the most important section. You must:

  • Present and explain your informed point of view.
  • Summarize and analyze the most important findings from the interviews.
  • Use interview findings to support your argument.
  • Connect your arguments to at least four class theories, citing at least four course readings.
  • Introduce and explain one media example (not used in your documentary or in class) to support your arguments.

Conclusion

  • Restate your informed point of view.
  • Write a well-developed paragraph (minimum 6 sentences).
  • Reiterate the key arguments.
  • Provide a strong, clear closing reflection on the topic.

Reference Page

(Not included in page count.)

  • List all readings, interviews, and media examples cited.
  • Use APA, MLA, or another academic citation format.
  • If including images or website links, place them in the reference section.

Final Checklist

Before submitting, ensure your paper:

  • Is written in your own voice.
  • Focuses on the topic, not group roles.
  • Meets the required length.
  • Contains no bullet points, numbering, or subheadings.
  • Includes at least 4 class theories / 4 citations.
  • Includes 1 new media example not used in the documentary or lectures.
  • Uses in-text citations.
  • Has a properly formatted reference page.
  • Includes a title page with all required details.
  • Is thoroughly proofread.

Grading Rubric (Total: 250 points)

Title Page (5 points)

  • 0: No title page
  • 5: Completed title page

Introduction & Outline (30 points)

  • 0–10: Missing or inadequate introduction; no outline
  • 11–24: Vague or incomplete introduction and outline
  • 25–30: Strong, engaging introduction with clear outline

Summarized Interviews (40 points)

  • 0–12: Missing or underdeveloped summary
  • 25–34: Vague explanation
  • 35–40: Well-developed, relevant summary connected to topic

Interview Analysis (45 points)

  • 0–24: No analysis or connection to topic
  • 25–39: Weak analysis
  • 40–45: Strong analysis showing impact on point of view

Point of View Explained (40 points)

  • 0–24: Not explained or underdeveloped
  • 25–34: Vaguely explained
  • 35–40: Clearly explained

Use of 4 Quotes / Course Theories (20 points)

  • 0–9: Missing or irrelevant quotes
  • 10–14: Poorly related or insufficient explanation
  • 15–20: 4 relevant, well-explained quotes and theories

Media Example (25 points)

  • 0–10: Missing, reused, or unrelated example
  • 11–19: Weak example
  • 20–25: Accurate, relevant, and not previously used

Conclusion (5 points)

  • 0: Missing or too short
  • 1–4: Weak or vague
  • 5: Strong, well-developed conclusion

Reference List (10 points)

  • 0–4: Missing or incomplete
  • 5–7: Partially complete
  • 8–10: Complete and correctly formatted

Formatting, Length, In-Text Citations (25 points)

  • 0–9: Incorrect formatting, wrong length, missing citations
  • 10–19: Partially incorrect
  • 20–25: Accurate formatting, correct length, proper citations