Assignment 1: Identity Crisis in Popular Media

Purpose: The purpose is to apply identity theories to current media. Before you begin you will need to read about Marcia’s and Erickson’s theories of adolescent identity.

Product:Choose a piece of music or literature that expresses as least one of the common themes in adolescent identity crisis. Some examples would be finding an occupation, deciding on personal values, religious identity, or sexual identity. Create a paper at least 2 pages long, not including any reference section, typed and double spaced, with Times New Roman (12- point font) and 1inch margins and proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Provide in-text citations and reference any of your sources using APA format

Directions:Analyze the data and type and answer the following questions:   What audience is targeted by the piece?   What is the main point(s) or the main plot of the piece?   How does the piece capture the essence of Erikson’s stage of identity versus role confusion and/or Marcia’s theory of identity status, which includes identity achievement, moratorium, foreclosure, and identity diffusion?   Introduce the topic of adolescent identity crisis.   Summarize the main points or the plot of the piece.   Compare the main points or plot to Erikson’s stage of Identity versus Role Confusion and/or Marcia’s identity theory.   Conclude with a consideration of how such music or literature helps adolescents understand and/or work out their identity crisis.