Assignment 2
TOPIC: Understanding small groups and mass communication in a BBC movie ‘Scoop 2024’.
Purpose of the assignment:
The purpose of the assignment is to deepen students' comprehension of small group dynamics and mass communication through a detailed analysis of the BBC movie "Scoop 2024." By examining the characteristics of the investigative team within the movie, evaluating their actions, defining mass communication, and exploring the application of the Agenda-setting theory, students will gain valuable insights into how these concepts manifest in real-world media contexts. This assignment encourages students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical examples, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of interpersonal communication in media and journalism settings
What do you have to do?
The BBC has recently released a movie titled "Scoop”. The movie exhibits details of small groups in a workspace as well as mass media. This assignment examines your understanding of the content on the topics of small groups and mass media.Watch the clips related to the assignment below: (the clips is also uploaded as a video in the folder)
39:42
Play Media
After watching the clips, read the background information about the movie:
Formation of the Investigative Team: The core investigative team in the movie "Scoop (2024)" is led by an ambitious young journalist, played by Emma Watson. She is joined by a seasoned editor, portrayed by Mark Ruffalo, who provides guidance and support as she delves into the story. Additionally, there are a few key allies within the newsroom who offer assistance and expertise, including a tech-savvy researcher and a tenacious photographer.
Relationships within the Team: Initially, there's a degree of skepticism and apprehension within the team as they embark on their investigation. However, as they uncover more evidence and piece together the puzzle, their bonds strengthen, and they form a cohesive unit driven by a shared desire for truth and justice. Despite occasional disagreements and setbacks, they support each other through the twists and turns of the investigation, developing a deep sense of mutual understanding along the way.
The Story They Were Investigating: The central story of "Scoop (2024)" revolves around a scandal involving Prince Andrew, a member of the British royal family. The investigative team uncovers evidence suggesting that Prince Andrew has been involved in a controversial relationship with a high-profile individual, leading to widespread speculation and public outcry. As they dig deeper, they unearth a network of secrets and lies, implicating powerful figures and exposing the lengths to which some will go to protect their reputations and privileges. The team faces numerous obstacles and dangers as they pursue the truth, including threats of legal action, intimidation tactics, and attempts to sabotage their investigation. Ultimately, their relentless pursuit of justice brings the scandal to light, sparking a national conversation about accountability, transparency, and the role of the media in holding the powerful accountable on social media and beyond.
You have to write an essay. Before you start do the following "research":
Identification of Small Group Characteristics - Watch the "Scoop 2024" movie and identify the characteristics of small groups within the investigative team.
Explanation with Examples - In your essay, explain each identified characteristic of small groups using examples or scenes from the movie that illustrate these traits.
Pros and Cons Evaluation - Evaluate one advantage and one disadvantage of the investigative team's actions in the movie. Provide reasons why the team should be praised for certain aspects (Pros) and reprimanded for others (Cons) in their investigative task.
Definition of Mass Communication - Define mass communication in the context of media and journalism.
Demonstration of Mass Communication in "Scoop 2024" - Determine if the movie demonstrates mass communication and support your answer with an example or scene from the movie.
Agenda-setting Theory Discussion - Explain what agenda-setting theory is and how it applies to mass communication. Discuss how agenda-setting is applied in "Scoop 2024" and analyze its effects on public dialogue and perception. Use examples from the movie to support your arguments.
Submission guidelines:
You should write an essay. Your essay should adhere to a standard essay format, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Ensure clear organization and coherent flow of ideas throughout the essay.
Introduction
State the topic of your writing or essay.
Provide a roadmap for your discussion
Body paragraphs:
Uncover the characteristic of small groups from the investigative team in the movie.
Provide an example from the movie that support each stated characteristic of the investigative team (small group) in the movie.
Suggest one Pros and Cons for the investigative team (small group) in the movie and explain why the investigative team should be praised for doing something (Pros) and reprimanded for doing something (Cons) in their investigation task.
Define mass communication
State if the “Scoop movie” is a demonstration of mass communication or not and support your answer with an example from the movie
Discuss the Agenda-setting theory by addressing the following:
Explain what agenda-setting is according to the theory.
How is agenda-setting applied in the movie?
What were the effects of the BBC’s application of agenda-setting in the movie? (Speak about public dialogue and public perception, use examples from the movie to support your ideas. [4 Marks].
Conclusion
Summarize your discussion.
Introduction
In the BBC movie "Scoop 2024," the core investigative team led by Emma Watson's character embarks on a mission to uncover a scandal involving Prince Andrew. This assignment will delve into the characteristics of small groups within the investigative team, evaluate their actions, define mass communication, and analyze the application of the Agenda-setting theory in the context of the movie.
Body Paragraphs
1. Characteristics of Small Groups:
Within the investigative team, several characteristics of small groups are evident. These include cohesion, communication, leadership, and task orientation. For example, the team displays strong cohesion as they work together towards a common goal, effectively communicating with each other to share information and strategies. The leadership provided by Mark Ruffalo's character ensures that the team stays focused on their task, which is to uncover the truth behind the scandal.
2. Pros and Cons Evaluation:
One advantage of the investigative team's actions is their unwavering dedication to seeking justice and holding powerful figures accountable. This determination leads to the exposure of the scandal and initiates a national conversation about transparency and accountability. However, a disadvantage of their actions could be the risks they take in pursuing the truth, including facing legal action and intimidation. While their bravery is commendable, it also puts them in dangerous situations.
3. Definition of Mass Communication:
Mass communication refers to the process of transmitting information to a large audience through various channels, such as television, newspapers, and social media. In the context of media and journalism, mass communication plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse and influencing public opinion.
4. Demonstration of Mass Communication:
The movie "Scoop 2024" clearly demonstrates mass communication through its portrayal of how the investigative team's findings are disseminated to the public. For example, the team's revelations about the scandal are reported in newspapers, discussed on television shows, and shared on social media platforms, reaching a wide audience and sparking public interest and debate.
5. Agenda-setting Theory Discussion:
Agenda-setting theory posits that the media has the power to influence the public agenda by determining which issues are considered important and which are not. In "Scoop 2024," agenda-setting is applied through the prioritization of the scandal involving Prince Andrew in news coverage, leading to increased public attention and discussion of the topic. This, in turn, shapes public perception and influences public dialogue about the role of the media in holding the powerful accountable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the movie "Scoop 2024" provides a compelling portrayal of small group dynamics within an investigative team and highlights the significance of mass communication and agenda-setting in the realm of media and journalism. By analyzing the characteristics of small groups, evaluating their actions, defining mass communication, and discussing agenda-setting theory, viewers gain a deeper understanding of how these concepts operate in real-world media contexts.