Trying to Navigate New Media, Old Media & Our Constructed Reality...
The class weblogs are an extension of our class discussion and to engage students as participants in new media. This is part of the ongoing effort to move from new media consumers to online content creators. Weekly blog entries will allow students to expand on reading assignments, what we watch in class and what we talk about during the week.
Course Description: An introductory analysis of problems, criticism and structure of mass media in the
At the end of this course you will
...have thoughtfully explored how media skews, misrepresents and perpetuates stereotypes and how this affects marginalized audiences
...experienced media content created by members of marginalized audience to give their community voice and representation in the mass society
...understand and be able to utilized mass communication theories (Cultivation Theory, Gatekeeping Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory, etc.) to consider the impact of media in our culture.
...have enhanced your media literacy as well as reassess your role as a member of the mass audience.
...have shifted from the role of media consumer to content producer examining issues of media, stereotypes and minorities in our society.
You will work as part of a group and co-produce a short-format documentary as a common assignment for this cluster. This 15 minute documentary will address a topic relevant to the themes of the cluster. The project will offer a voice for members of a marginalized segment of the population. The documentary must be completed by the April 23 deadline.
Mass Communication: Living in a Media World by Ralph E. Hanson (2004).
Enough is Enough (2001) Dir. Billy Jackson. Nommo Productions.
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. (1970).
Public Opinion by Walter Lippman (1922).
Big Dream, Small Dream (1997) David Dugan. The American Experience/WBGH.
Crash (2004) Dir. Paul Haggis. Lion Gate Films.
30 Days- Immigration Episode (2006) FX.
Smoke Signals (1998) Dir. Chris Eyre. Miramax.
