Applying Communication Theories to Documentary Analysis

1. Watch one or both of these documentaries: “The Great Hack” and/or “Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened” which are available on Netflix. If you do not have access to Netflix we will make arrangements for viewing for at least one of them. 

2. Apply three communication theories and concepts (one of which will be compulsory) covered in the course to the documentary’s content. In addition, you will write a critical reflective appraisal response to a societal or ethical issue raised by the documentary.

3. Follow the assignment structure given of the following pages. In addition to the compulsory topic “Communication Ethics”, you will choose two concepts or theories from the list provided in the table below, and answer each of the first three questions (listed on the next page) using specific examples from the documentary.

4. Responses should be completed in a Word document and submitted electronically to Moodle by the deadline. PDFs will NOT be accepted.

Relevant communication concepts/theories

You will identify and discuss three issues in these documentaries and relate them to course concepts. The first course concept/theory, “Communication ethics”, is compulsory; the second and third you will choose from the table below. The table offers broad concepts or theories, and examples of specific aspects that you may focus on that are relevant to the assignment.

Watch your chosen documentary, then within the areas of Communication Ethics and two other theories or concepts, identify the specific aspects that you wish to discuss in your assignment.

Question 1 Theory/concept one: Communication ethics (Compulsory) (20 marks)

a. What aspects of Communication Ethics can be found in the documentary? 

b. Explain Communication Ethics (what is it?) and apply parts of it to an aspect of the documentary so the reader can clearly understand Communication Ethics in practice.

Question 2 Theory/concept two (choose one concept/theory from table above) (20 marks)

a. What aspects of Theory/concept two can be found in the documentary?

b. Explain Theory/concept two (what is it?) and apply parts of the concept/theory/model/framework to an aspect of the documentary so the reader can clearly understand the theory in practice. 

Question 3 Theory/concept three (choose one concept/theory from table above)(20 marks)

a. What aspects of Theory/concept three   can be found in the documentary?

b. Explain Theory/concept three (what is it?) and apply parts of the concept/theory/model/framework to an aspect of the documentary so the reader can clearly understand it in practice. 

Question 4 Critical Reflective Appraisal (30 marks)

Provide a reflective response to both the societal and the personal questions below and provide evidence and examples that support your views.

a. Societal level (Part 1): (300 words)

b. Identify a societal issue concerning the online world raised by the documentary.

c. In your view, what might be done to help address this issue? Discuss the issue of individual vs organisational responsibility.

d. Personal level (Part 1): (300 words)

i) What issues does this documentary raise for you in regards to your own use of online/social media? 

ii) In response to the story in the documentary, discuss two implications for your personal use of online/social media, particularly in regards to sharing information and/or communicating with others online.

Writing Style & References (10 marks)                        
Ten marks will be awarded for appropriate written expression and correct APA referencing. Remember to include a word count.