problematic statement

How do you characterize the “problematic” of your YDEI topic?

The statement of a “problematic” discusses not merely the “problem,” (topic, issues, concerns) but also the agency and interests of the varied players – youth, the entertainment industries – as an active dialectic around power, pleasure, play, freedom, and liberty. Essentially, how does the “civic jazz” of democracy apply?

In a short (5 paragraph) essay, discuss what you’re finding through your topic research.

This will be uploaded as a post on a blog created by your topic group. This will allow your group members and other class cohorts to read and dialogue on the issues raised.

The following (3) content elements offer a general framework for writing a problematic statement,

Content elements:

  1. In presenting the topic, consider the following media literacy prompts:
  • What are the discourses expressed in the media you’ve surveyed?
  • Point-of-view: sources, voices, ideology
  • Context, root causes
  • Alternatives, root solutions
  • It may not fit to address all these prompts; whether and how context/root causes and alternatives/root solutions are addressed in media reps should be addressed.
  1. How are youth (and others) using democratic practices to address the issue?

What are varied modes of critical discourse and social change expressed by youth: creative practices and cultural-political formations (associations/networks).

How are alternatives presented — or not.  This will require you to engage a utopian imagination, adding your voice to the visioning process.

  1. A general frame (question) to consider throughout your study:  How do principles of democracy apply? What’s a politics (engagement) of democracy applied to your topic?

Specific guidelines:

  • Draw from your annotations research and other online media you’ve surveyed.
  • Write 5 paragraphs. These should be dense, to-the-point, well-edited, no fluff, providing a certain level of depth and breadth.
  • Use a strong opening sentence.
  • Do not copy and paste, i.e. plagiarize.
  • Use a writing voice feels comfortable – preferably not straight academic.
  • Include at least 4 hypertext links.
  • Embedded media: include at least 2 images and a video.
  • Design: be conscious of layout aesthetics; create a sense of balance among post elements.