Project 1: Media Analysis

Project Goal

Students will choose one example of modern media and identify how it communicates a message about identity, feelings, authenticity, self-expression, sexuality, romance, or personal fulfillment.

Choose one specific media example to analyze.

Possible examples include:

• Movie scene
• Song
• Commercial
• Social media trend
• YouTube video
• Book excerpt
• Speech
• Magazine cover
• Advertisement
• Television episode

Do not choose a topic that is too broad, such as “social media,” “Disney movies,” or “modern music.” Choose one specific example.

Main Question

What does this media example teach about the self?

In particular, consider whether it teaches that:

• Identity comes from inner feelings
• Authenticity means expressing yourself
• Personal desire should guide your choices
• Others should affirm your self-expression
• Personal fulfillment depends on romance or sexuality
• Traditional moral boundaries are harmful or oppressive

Step 1: Choose Your Example

Select one specific media example.

Write down:

• Title
• Type of media
• Creator, artist, company, or source
• Date, if known

Step 2: Summarize the Example

In one paragraph, explain what happens in the example.

Include only the details needed to understand the message being communicated.

Step 3: Identify the Message

Explain what the example teaches about identity, feelings, authenticity, sexuality, romance, or fulfillment.

Use questions like:

• What is the viewer supposed to believe?
• What is presented as good or admirable?
• What is presented as wrong, harmful, or outdated?
• What does the example suggest people should do in order to be happy or authentic?

Step 4: Connect to Expressive Individualism

Explain how the example does or does not reflect expressive individualism.

Expressive individualism is the idea that:

A person’s true identity is found by looking inward at personal feelings and then expressing those feelings outwardly.

Answer:

• Does this example treat inner feelings as the true self?
• Does it encourage outward self-expression?
• Does it expect others to affirm that self-expression?

Step 5: Compare with Scripture

Compare the message of the media example with the biblical view of human identity.

Use at least two of these passages:

• Genesis 1:27
• Genesis 2
• Colossians 1:16
• Ephesians 5:22–33
• 1 Corinthians 1:18–25

Answer:

• What does Scripture say about who we are?
• What does Scripture say about why we exist?
• How does Scripture agree with or challenge the message of the media example?

Step 6: Give a Christian Response

Conclude by explaining how a Christian should respond to the message of the media example.

Your response should be:

• Biblical
• Clear
• Truthful
• Charitable

Do not simply mock or dismiss the example. Explain what it gets right, what it gets wrong, and how Scripture gives a better understanding of identity and purpose.

Final Product Options

Students may complete the project as one of the following:

Option A: Written Analysis

Length: 1–2 pages

Include:

1. Media example
2. Summary
3. Main message
4. Connection to expressive individualism
5. Biblical comparison
6. Christian response

Option B: Oral Presentation

Length: 3–5 minutes

Include:

1. Brief description of the example
2. Explanation of the worldview message
3. Connection to expressive individualism
4. Biblical comparison
5. Christian response

Option C: Slide Presentation

Length: 4–6 slides

Include:

1. Title and media example
2. Summary of the example
3. Main message
4. Expressive individualism connection
5. Biblical comparison
6. Christian response

Project Checklist

Before submitting, make sure your project includes:

• One specific media example
• A short summary
• A clear explanation of the message
• A connection to expressive individualism
• At least two Scripture passages
• A Christian response