Georgia Institute of Technology Podcast on COVID and Disparities Essay

/in /by

  Overview:

Module 3 covers a wide range of topics from cultural conception of health to the importance of social support in health crises. There are a number of fascinating presentations, podcasts, and news stories that address issues and topics that are relevant to module 3. For this paper assignment you will be finding and analyzing one of them. Specifically, to complete this assignment you will need to locate a TEDTalk or podcast[1] that connects in some way the reading assigned in module 3. Please read the footnote below to for information on how to locate talks and podcasts. You must get your TEDTalk or podcast approved no later than February 3. You will need to complete this survey to submit your talk or podcast for approval. 

There are three goals for this assignment:

share new ideas, knowledge, and insight (via a summary of the TEDTalk or podcast you chose),

think critically about the Talk or podcast’s content by linking it to concepts and theories discussed in module 3, and

thoughtfully critique the effectiveness of the Talk or podcast.

Paper Components:

You will write a 750-800 word (approximately) paper that will include:

An introduction (1 paragraph)

A brief summary of the TEDTalk or podcast (1-3 paragraphs)

An analysis of the TEDTalk or podcast using at least two concepts or theories from the module 3 chapters (you do not need to use additional sources in this assignment; however, you can if you want). This section will be the bulk/majority of your paper, and be sure to cite information using APA or MLA format. 

  1. A critique of the talk or podcast—what did you think, what were the strengths and weaknesses, etc?
  2. A conclusion (1 paragraph)
  3. Grading:

Although this is your shortest paper, it’s worth 10% of your grade. I will be looking for (and your score will be based on) the following:

Clarity and quality of the summary. Describe clearly but concisely the topic of the talk/podcast, the speaker(s), and the main ideas and take-aways from the talk/podcast.

Thoughtfulness of the analysis. Provide a concise but thoughtful/insightful analysis or discussion of how the TEDTalk or podcast relates to content from the chapter(s). You will need to identify at least two concepts or theories (be sure to explain these in your own words, citing the text as appropriate) from the module’s chapters and clearly explain how aspects of the talk/podcast link those concepts and theories. Go beyond stating the obvious (“the podcast illustrates health literacy”) and instead highlight what specific aspects of the concept(s) and theory(theories) you can link to the content of the talk/podcast. You might need to listen to your selected talk/podcast a few times to uncover how it connects to the module 3 material. Don’t overlook anything! These talks are comprehensive and do a really nice job of bringing ideas to life. 

Reaction/critique. What did you like or dislike about the talk/podcast? What are the strengths and weaknesses? What is the most important learning or take-aways for you? Overall, in what ways did this talk/podcast enhance your thinking about health communication, in general, and/or module 3 concepts, specifically?

  • General writing skills. Paper reflects college-level writing. Information taken from sources (i.e., the textbook was cited correctly). Failure to cite information correctly (i.e., plagiarized information) will result in either a significant point deduction or no credit (a 0) for this assignment.
  • Link to the TEDTalk or Podcast. You must include the link to the TEDTalk or podcast in your reference list. (Points will be deducted if you do not include the link.)
  • If you have questions, concerns, or if anything in the above instructions is unclear, please email me as soon as possible. 

[1] A TEDTalk is a nonprofit organization devoted to spreading ideas through short but powerful talks. Talks cover a number of topics, ranging from science to entertainment and art. There are many TEDTalks that focus on health communication and topics relevant to module 3. To start your search for an appropriate TEDTalk go to www.ted.com (Links to an external site.). There may also be relevant talks on the National Communication Association’s archive of TED talks given by Communication scholars, at https://www.natcom.org/advocacy-public-engagement/communication-tedx-talks (Links to an external site.) (you will need to sort through these to find the ones that appear to relate to module 3).

  • Podcasts are audio programs that take many forms. For this assignment, you’ll want to pick an informative podcast that reports on a problem or tells a story. There are a number of places to find podcasts that address topics relevant to module 3. A Google search might reveal a number of podcasts; however, here are some possible places to find them (please feel free to find your own podcast if none of the options below appeal to you):
  • NPR’s defining moments, hosted by Dr. Lynn Harter, a notable communication scholar. https://www.npr.org/podcasts/727287962/defining-moments (Links to an external site.)

American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) did a series of podcasts on COVID and disparities: https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/podcast-racial-health-disparities-how-covid-19-magnified-public-health-emergency (Links to an external site.)

The Conversation Project collected podcasts about end-of-life care: https://theconversationproject.org/tcp-blog/7-podcasts-about-end-of-life-care/ (Links to an external site.)

If you are unsure about whether a particular TEDTalk or podcastwill work for this paper, email me with the link and I will let you know. If you’re struggling to find a good TEDTalk or podcast