I Understood the Assignment: Short-Form Videos in the International Studies Classroom

Abstract With advances in technology, opportunities to connect with and learn from people all over the world are more prevalent than ever, but so are many associated challenges. Much has been said about combating “fake news” through media literacy efforts in the classroom, but less has been discussed about how to prompt students to think more about the way that even accurate information is shaped by the mode of delivery. For example, short-form videos have become increasingly popular across social media platforms. These videos often discuss political issues and news while utilizing popular trends and adhering to platform formatting and length requirements that constrain the way information is communicated. This article presents a short-form video assignment designed to engage students in four core media literacy learning processes. The assignment can be adapted to any university social science classroom, and the results of a systematic deductive thematic analysis provide evidence that the assignment contributes to media literacy objectives, increasing student awareness of the role of media in shaping the way we understand the world around us.