Critical Summary Paper: McLuhan Assignment

McLuhan, M. (1999). The medium and the light: Reflections on religion and media.
Eugene, OR: Stoddart. ISBN: 9780415027960.

Marshall McLuhan is regarded for two ideas that have shaped communication conversations—
theoretical and practical—for decades: 1) we can NEVER stop communicating, and 2) the medium is the message. As he applies communication to the traditions in the church, it becomes essential to consider how strategic communication can be engaged in a traditionally theological
setting. In other words, what happens when strategic communication and spiritual life intersect?

Q1: In his own way, how does McLuhan understand that Strategic Communication
transformations are taking place? How would he talk about these transitions in the two unique
contexts of the church and the world? Why must we understand both?
Q2: What is the significance of understanding communication mediums? How are these insights
valuable to your research interest?
Q3: How is McLuhan relevant to the future of Strategic Communication philosophy? What two
aspects of his ideas should be reconsidered in this historical moment?

A well-constructed Critical Summary Paper Assignment will include the following elements:
1. Introduction, featuring a fresh and clear thesis.
2. Body, featuring major critical points that were themed or critically curated by you, the
reader.
3. Minimal quotes. Use of quotes should be reserved for making the most significant points.
4. Supported by a minimum of 5 scholarly extractions of the author, indicated by in-text
citations.
5. Strong topic sentences for each paragraph. These should transition and connect ideas, as
well as guide the reader through the paper.
6. Conclusion, featuring strong statements regarding how the thesis was developed / proven
in the body of the paper. This portion of the paper should also make it clear how future
research of the subject could be impacted by the ideas here.