This project is worth 25 points toward your final grade. Your task is to develop a "theology" of the mass media. I know, I know, this sounds impossible, after all they didn’t have radio, or television or the Internet, or any other mass media back in Biblical times. Still, such a theology can be developed!

One of the first lectures in class will outline several models for developing a mass media theology. The models will not be complete. Rather they will give you a starting point for the project. In fact, you’ll probably want to write that model down on the back side of this sheet. In addition, each group will have the opportunity in that class to begin to work as a group to formulate a strategy for the semester as well as receive feedback from me. As the semester progresses, groups are encouraged to consult with me. The sooner you get started, the better.

Each member of the group will receive the same grade as the group project receives. The only exception to this is if a majority of the group states in writing that a member or members of the group did little or nothing to help the project along. If I can verify this to my satisfaction, I reserve the right to lower the grade of the person or persons who failed to contribute to the group work.

Each group will have approximately 15 minutes during the final exam period to present their completed work. Each group should turn in a written copy of their theology (typed and double spaced) at the start of the final exam class. There is no specific length requirement. Whatever it takes to develop a theology of the mass media is the proper length. Eighty percent of the project grade will be based on the written component, twenty percent on the presentation component. For the presentation, students may use any relevant visual aids that they choose. If media equipment if necessary, groups should make arrangements with me to make sure the proper equipment is in class that day.

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