Critically Analyzing Civic Information

Objective

Develop skills for finding and evaluating the varied forms of evidence for civic information that exist online including author, platform, purpose, and location of the source

 

Think About It 

As you watch the short video (1.), see the picture (2.), read the article (3.), and the tweet (4.), pay attention to these factors:

  • Mood and Tone: What emotional notes is the producer emphasizing?
  • Production Techniques: What kinds of techniques does the producer employ?
  • Frame of Reference: Who is telling the story? What is their relationship to the subject matter?
  • Intended Purpose or Audience: What is the purpose of the message? Is it to instruct, inform, sell, persuade, explain, argue, entertain, or something else? How does the purpose influence how the message is communicated?
  • Background Knowledge - Is there specific knowledge, cultural background, or insider information required for the audience to understand the intended message? Does this required knowledge exclude some people from understanding the message? Do you think this was intended?

 

1.

After George Floyd's death at the hands of a former Minneapolis police officer, some activists are calling to "defunding the police." CNN's Brian Todd reports on what this could look like. 

2.

Police and protesters stand outside the 3rd Police Precinct station on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a march there over the death of George Floyd. Floyd died after a confrontation with Minneapolis on Monday evening. A bystander video that started circulating sometime after the incident appeared to show the man pleading with officers that he couldn't breathe as one officer knelt on his neck.

Police and protesters stand outside the 3rd Police Precinct station on Tuesday, May 26, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a march there over the death of George Floyd.
© Richard Tsong-Taatarii/Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS

3.

Most Americans satisfied with police responses despite 'defunding' push Links to an external site.

 

4.

 

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