ACC100 Annotated Bibliography and Critical Analysis

Task:

Part 1 – Annotated Bibliography

The purpose of this section is to investigate an issue or controversial topic by finding and explaining different types of sources relevant to it. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Select a social media post or an online news media article about an issue or controversial topic that was published any time since the beginning of the current trimester. At the start of your assessment, include either:

• a screenshot of your selected social media post; or

• the headline of the news media article with a hyperlink to it.

2. Find four (4) different types of sources from the below list that relate to the issue underpinning your selected post / article. At least one source must be an academic text.

• Academic journal article or book chapter (required)

• Newspaper article

• Social media post

• Audio or audio-visual text (e.g. television program, podcast, YouTube, film/documentary)

• Government publication

Note: although the post or news article you select will have a recent publication date, most of your sources will likely be from before that date. They should relate to the issue underpinning your selected item, rather than the item itself.

3. Include the full bibliographic details for each source using the Harvard referencing style.

Note: there are slight variations in the format for each type of source – make sure you use the right format for your different sources! Sources should be listed in alphabetical order.

4. Under the bibliographic details for each source, write a 150 to 200-word summary explaining its content, findings and/or arguments, any limitations present, and why it is a useful source and/or relevant to the issue.

Part 2 – Critical Analysis

This section has a dual purpose: to identify how academic concepts and theories are useful in understanding and interrogating mediatised issues, and to develop critical thinking skills through comparative analysis. 

• Draw from one (1) academic concept / theory explored in the Unit to explain how two (2) of your annotated sources construct meaning.

Note: this is not an essay – it does not require an introduction or conclusion, just a discussion that compares and evaluates the sources. It does, however, need to be persuasive – i.e. you must create an argument.

The academic concept/theory you choose will depend on your issue/topic and sources. Make sure you explain or define the academic term in your analysis! Concepts/theories that may be useful include (but are not limited to):