Thematic analysis on:
“From Silencing to Storytelling: Bin Jelmood House as a Counter-Narrative to Gulf Histories of Slavery and Migration”
An analytical paper examines a topic by breaking it down into its components, exploring relationships, patterns, or
causes, and offering insights or interpretations based on evidence. It goes beyond simple description by critically
analyzing how and why things work, providing a deeper understanding of the subject.
• In this paper, go beyond simple summary and description. Rather than telling the reader the facts of the situation,
examine information and evaluate it. Put another way, do not simply discuss what, where and when; but also why
and how.
• You can choose the topic of your paper but it has to relate to Digital Communication and Media
• Since you have a 1,500-word limit, it’s important to narrow your focus to a specific issue rather than choosing a
broad topic.
• You can have to engage critically with academic literature, but you can also include examples from real-world
practices.
For more information, please check:
https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Writing-an-Analytical-Essay_Essay-Writing.pdf
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/hks-communications-program/files/tips-for-writing-analytic-research-papers.pdf
Suggested paper structure:
1. Media Representation & Silencing (Chouliaraki & Georgiou)
The museum challenges historical silencing of enslaved voices in the Gulf.
You can apply the “voice as narrative” framework:
Subjects of voice → enslaved Africans and South Asians in Qatar.
Status of voice → once dehumanized, now given agency through museum curation.
Context of voice → framed not only as victims but as contributors to Qatar’s history.
2. Digital Borders & Symbolic Power
The museum acts as a digital and physical “border”, dividing past erasure and present acknowledgment.
Just as media creates symbolic borders between “us” and “them,” Bin Jelmood House breaks those symbolic borders by integrating marginalized histories into Qatar’s national narrative.
3. Counter-Narratives (Dakkak, 2022)
Like comedic videos by Gulf-based migrant workers, the museum serves as a state-sponsored counternarrative:
It challenges dominant Gulf narratives that glorify heritage while omitting slavery and exploitation.
It gives voice to subaltern identities in a formalized cultural space.
4. Voice and Humanity
Chouliaraki’s concept of voice as political praxis fits well:
The museum doesn’t just “talk about” enslaved people; it performs their humanity through curated exhibits, multimedia storytelling, and educational programs.
🧩 Suggested Paper Structure:
1. Introduction
Introduce the concept of media borders, silencing, and counter-narratives.
Present your thesis: Bin Jelmood House acts as a counter-narrative space that restores voice and challenges historical silencing in the Gulf.
2. Silenced Histories in the Gulf
Brief history of slavery and how it was historically erased from public discourse.
Apply remediation strategies: generalization, passivity, exclusion.
3. Bin Jelmood House as a Site of Voice
Examine how the museum restores voice to the enslaved and displaced.
Analyze its curatorial strategies as a performative act of political voice.
4. The Museum as Counter-Media
Compare it to other counter-narratives like Dakkak’s example.
Show how state-endorsed heritage can still challenge dominant ideologies.
5. Tensions & Contradictions
Critically reflect: Is it symbolic only? Who controls the narrative? Is it inclusive or selective?
6. Conclusion
Reassert its significance as a media space that reimagines historical borders and restores agency.
Rubric for analytical paper – A
Thesis/argument: Clear, original, and insightful thesis that addresses the research question comprehensively; well-focused and deeply
analytical.
Analysis and argumentation: Highly analytical, demonstrating deep understanding; arguments are logically structured, well-supported with
evidence, and consistently engage with the literature.
Use of sources: Excellent integration of sources; demonstrates mastery of the literature; sources are appropriately cited and deeply relevant
to the argument.
Organisation and structure: Excellent organization; clear, logical flow with well-developed paragraphs; smooth transitions that guide the
reader through the argument.
Writing and style: Clear, concise, and sophisticated writing; engaging style with excellent grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.
Critical Thinking: Demonstrates excellent critical thinking; presents nuanced, independent perspectives that are well-argued and insightful.
Formatting and citations: Perfect adherence to citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.); clean, professional formatting with no errors.
