JOURNAL FOUR: Radio

DUE THURSDAY, OCT. 4TH.

Find a radio program online (it can be a variety show, news program, music program, drama, etc. from any era). After listening to your program, describe its message AND the social function of its message (to disseminate information; to set an agenda; to entertain; to distract; to socialize; etc.). Then, select a 30sec. clip that effectively illustrates the message conveyed by the program. Bring your clip to class next week. (Or, have the URL if the clip is online!)

Here are a few links you can use to help you:
Radio Lab
On the Media
Radio Lovers
National Public Radio
Public Radio Exchange
Mercury Theatre on the Air
Internet Archive of Radio Programs

JOURNAL THREE: Recorded Music

DUE THURSDAY, SEPT. 27TH.

Recordings and the Surveillance Society

After reading the article, find one current example of the use of sound recording for surveillance. Who made the recording and why? What happened to the recording after it was made? How was the recording received, and how did it impact society?

JOURNAL TWO: Print Media

DUE TUESDAY, SEPT. 25TH

Select a current news item and find two DIFFERENT print stories on the item.
Include a reference of where you found each story. (Name of story/Author/Name of publication/Date)

1. Analyze each news story using the SMCR model. (Eg. Who sent the story? What is the message? What channel is used to communicate? Who received the story?)
2. Compare and contrast how the news item is depicted in each story. (Eg. How are the two stories similar? How are they different? Etc.)
3. Critique the way the news item is covered in ONE of the stories. (Eg. What is censored or left out of the story? Is the story biased? Etc.)

ESSAY ONE: The informal reaction essay

Essay one (3 pages) is due in class on Tuesday, September 20th.
Bring one hard copy for me and another for the workshop.

Select a contemporary controversy involving mass media and its impact on society. The controversy you choose should reflect the connections between mass communication, media and society. (See links under “Media and Society” on our class blog for examples.)

Analyze and react to the conflict.

1. Describe the conflict/controversy and why it is important.
1. Give a brief summary.
2. Talk about why we should care.
2. Discuss the current debate surrounding the controversy.
1. Compare/contrast the opposing sides and their arguments.
2. Link the views to mass media. (ie. What conception of “the media” does each view represent? How does each side view the relation between society and media?)
3. Take a stand! Pick a side and argue for/against it.
1. Critique the view(s) you oppose – tell us why?
2. Propose your view – be sure to convince me why you are right!
3. Briefly discuss the consequences of your view.

This is a critical reaction/critical opinion essay. You should use at least two sources, but this is not a research essay. The bulk of the writing should be YOUR reaction to the issue, not what others think about it. Follow the steps above (adding an introduction and conclusion), and you’ve got an essay outline! (P.S. You still need to say what your sources are, but because this is an informal essay, you do not need to use APA style or include a bibliography.)

JOURNAL ONE: Media and Society

DUE TUESDAY, SEPT. 11TH

Find a media controversy (past or present) that illustrates the relationship between multimedia communication technologies and society. Describe the controversy, why it is important and how it shows the connection between media and society. Then, briefly react to your example. Which side do you take? Why? (Of course, you do not have to agree with either side!!)

Be sure to include a URL resource so that we can all take a look at the conflict you select. And, remember to choose a controversy that interests you... this assignment will become a part of your first essay.

(I have posted my example.)