Hum/176 Media And American Culture
|[pic] |Course Syllabus |
| |HUM/176 |
| |Media and American Culture |
| |Holly Walter |
Copyright © 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Course Description
The course provides an introduction …show more content…
to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the U.S. and around the world.
Policies
Students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following document:
• University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document.
University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.
Course Materials
Campbell, R., Martin, C.R., & Fabos, B (2012) Media & culture: An introduction to mass communication (8th.) New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
All electronic materials are available on the student website.
|Week One: The Formative Influence of Mass Media on American Culture |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives |Summarize the evolution of mass media. | | |
| |Identify the effects of mass media on American culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 1 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read the Timeline of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Agenda Setting and Gate-Keeping” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Agenda Setting and | | | |
|Gate-Keeping | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Media and Democracy” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Media and Democracy | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week One Readings and Videos |Day 7 |4 |
|Effects of Mass Media |Compose answers to fill in the Effects of Mass Media Worksheet | | |
|Worksheet | | | |
|Week Two: Critical Approaches to Mass Media |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the implications of media convergence, in terms of both technology and business.
| | |
| |Identify issues resulting from dependency on mass media. | | …show more content…
|
| |Describe the value of media literacy. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch. 1 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 12 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Going Viral: Political Campaigns and Video” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Going Viral | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Tablets, Technology, and the Classroom” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Tablets, Technology, and the | | | |
|Classroom | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Impact of Media Ownership” on Video Central.
| | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Impact of Media Ownership | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Two readings and videos |Day 7 |4 |
|Media Convergence Worksheet |Compose answers to fill in the Media Convergence Worksheet. | |
|
|Week Three: The Significance of the Internet and the Digital Age |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the implications of easily obtainable information in the digital age. | | |
| |Assess credibility issues regarding information on the Internet. | | |
| |Explain the concept of the digital divide. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch.2 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “User-Generated Content” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|User-Generated Content | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Net Neutrality” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Net Neutrality | | | |
|Individual |Your pen pal from a part of the world that lacks ready access to the Internet has written you|Day 7 |5 |
|Internet and Information Paper|a letter and asks you to explain several concepts. | | |
| | | | |
| |Hello, | | |
| | | | |
| |I hear so many good things and am so fascinated with what you can do with the Internet. | | |
| |Finding all this information so quickly must make your life very easy. But please tell me: | | |
| |how do you assess the value of all this information you find on the Internet? How can you be | | |
| |sure that it is reliable and credible? Also, I have heard the term “digital divide.” What | | |
| |exactly does it mean, and how do you think this divide could be bridged? | | |
| | | | |
| |Thank you for helping me to understand these issues! | | |
| | | | |
| |Best regards, | | |
| |Your friend | | |
| | | | |
| |Resources: Week Three Readings and Videos | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a 700-to 1,050-word letter in which you respond to your friend’s questions. | | |
|Week Four: The Role of Social Media and Virtual Networks |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the role of social media and virtual networks in a broader media culture. | | |
| |Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of social media. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch.2 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Rise of Social Media” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Rise of Social Media | | | |
|Individual |Choose one of the following options: |Day 7 |7 |
|Social Media Assignment | | | |
| |Option 1: Toolwire®: Examining the Use of Social Media | | |
| | | | |
| |Access the Toolwire® Learnscape: Examining the Use of Social Media through the link located | | |
| |on the student website. | | |
| |Complete the Learnscape Activities. | | |
| |Complete the Toolwire® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. | | |
| |Write 250 word response to each of the following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? | | |
| |How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social | | |
| |media? | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Option 2: Social Media Paper | | |
| | | | |
| |Write 700- to 1,050-word paper and address each of the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |Identify at least three different social media networks and describe how they are used. | | |
| |Explain the advantages and disadvantages of social media. | | |
| |Explain how knowing the advantages and disadvantages might alter how a person would use | | |
| |social media. | | |
| | | | |
| |Support your findings with specific examples. | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Five: The Impact of Audio Entertainment: Music and Radio |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the audio entertainment | | |
| |media. | | |
| |Assess how music and radio have affected American values. | | |
| |Analyze the influence of music and radio on social behavior. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 3 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 4 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Recording Music Today” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Recording Music Today | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Alternative Strategies for Music Marketing” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Alternative Strategies for | | | |
|Music Marketing | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Radio: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Radio: Yesterday, Today, and | | | |
|Tomorrow | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Going Visual: Video, Radio, and the Web” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Going Visual | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Five Readings and Videos |Day 7 |7 |
|Influence of Music | | | |
|Presentation |Create a 5- to 8-PowerPoint® slides to answer and illustrate the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |In what ways have music and radio shaped American culture and its values? | | |
| |Identify and introduce your favorite musician, band, or type of music. | | |
| |Explain how American culture and social behavior have been shaped by the music you listen to.| | |
| | | | |
| |Conclude your presentation by summarizing how audio media either reflect or influence social | | |
| |behavior and attitudes. | | |
|Week Six: The Power of Images: Television and Film |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the visual entertainment | | |
| |media. | | |
| |Assess how television and film have affected American values. | | |
| |Analyze the influence of television and film on social behavior. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 5 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 6 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 15 of Media & Culture, pp. 493-496 | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Blurring the Lines: Marketing Programs Across Platforms” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Blurring the Lines | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “What Makes Public Television ‘Public’?” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|What Makes Public Television | | | |
|“Public”? | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Based On: Making Books Into Movies” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Based On: Making Books Into | | | |
|Movies | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “More Than a Movie: Social Issues and Film” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|More Than a Movie | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Six Readings and Videos |Day 7 |5 |
|Influence of Visual Media | | | |
|Paper |Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you investigate the interrelationship between culture| | |
| |and the visual entertainment media, such as television and film. Include answers to the | | |
| |following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |In what ways have various forms of visual entertainment media shaped American culture and its| | |
| |values? | | |
| |Are the social influences of the visual entertainment media mostly positive or negative? | | |
| |Explain. | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your answers with specific examples. | | |
| | | | |
| |Conclude your paper by summarizing how visual media either reflect or influence social | | |
| |behavior and attitudes. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Seven: The News Media: Journalism and Democracy |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Assess how information media affect American values. | | |
| |Explain the social responsibilities of the news media. | | |
| |Describe the role of the news media in politics. | | |
| |Evaluate the transformative effect of electronic media on journalism. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 7 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 13 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Newspapers and the Internet: Convergence” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Newspapers and the Internet | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Fake News/Real News: A Fine Line” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Fake News/ | | | |
|Real News | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Newspapers Now: Balancing Citizen Journalism and Investigative Reporting” on Video | | |
|Preparation |Central. | | |
|Newspapers Now | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Journalism Ethics: What News Is Fit to Print? ” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Journalism Ethics | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Objectivity Myth” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Objectivity Myth | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Contemporary Journalist: Pundit or Reporter? ” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Contemporary Journalist: | | | |
|Pundit or Reporter? | | | |
|Individual |Choose one of the following options: |Day 7 |7 |
|News Media | | | |
| |Option 1: Toolwire® Learnscape Credibility and Impact | | |
| | | | |
| |Access the Toolwire® Learnscape: Credibility and Impact: Exploring the Internet and Politics | | |
| |through the link located on the student website. | | |
| | | | |
| |Complete the Learnscape Activities. | | |
| | | | |
| |Complete the Toolwire® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. | | |
| | | | |
| |Write 250-word response to the following question: | | |
| | | | |
| |Do the information media have social responsibility? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not? | | |
| | | | |
| |Option 2: Journalist E-mail | | |
| | | | |
| |You are a rookie news journalist, and you just completed your first major assignment covering| | |
| |a political campaign, including extensive research of websites to provide the political | | |
| |background of your story. Your best friend emails you and asks how it went. | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a 350-to 700-word e-mail to your friend in which you detail the challenges you faced | | |
| |regarding the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |Your responsibility as a journalist to provide fair, honest, and balanced coverage. | | |
| |How you struggled with whether your story was socially responsible. | | |
| |Assessing the credibility of the political Internet sites you visited for your research | | |
| |(consider Drudge Report, Daily Kos, Politico, Colbert Nation, The Hill, etc.). | | |
| |Your awareness of how political news reporting might influence public opinion and American | | |
| |values. | | |
|Week Eight: Advertising and the Culture of Consumerism |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the role of advertising in a culture of consumerism. | | |
| |Outline key persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising. | | |
| |Identify critical issues in advertising. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 10 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 11 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Advertising and Effects on Children” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Advertising and Effects on | | | |
|Children | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Advertising in the Digital Age” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Advertising in the Digital Age| | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Filling the News Hole: Video News Releases” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Filling the News Hole | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Eight Readings and Videos |Day 7 |10 |
|Effects of Advertising |Choose a product or service from these examples: | | |
|Presentation | | | |
| |Fast food | | |
| |Class of consumer product | | |
| |Personal care | | |
| |Automobile | | |
| | | | |
| |Research online to analyze how that product or service has been advertised. | | |
| | | | |
| |Prepare an 8-to 12-slide PowerPoint® presentation in which you investigate the role of | | |
| |advertising in a culture of consumerism. Be sure to discuss the following areas: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the key persuasive techniques used in advertising for your selected product or | | |
| |service? Illustrate with specific examples, explaining how each technique works. | | |
| | | | |
| |Discuss whether any of the following critical issues that related or connected with you | | |
| |product or service: | | |
| | | | |
| |Children and advertising | | |
| |Advertising in schools | | |
| |Health and advertising | | |
| |Political advertising | | |
| | | | |
| |Find one example of a commercial or advertisement of your product or service that strikes you| | |
| |as particularly creative and appealing. Consider some of the following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the elements that are unusual? | | |
| |What is the target group of the commercial? | | |
| |How does the commercial appeal to consumers? | | |
| |Why do you believe this commercial to be effective in brand name recognition? | | |
| |Who determines ethical standards for advertising? | | |
| |How are ethical standards met (or pushed to their limits)? | | |
| | | | |
| |Summarize the ways in which advertising has affected American culture. | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your findings with specific examples. If you use external references, make sure to| | |
| |list your references on the last slide. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Nine: Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Assess the tension between free speech and constraints on free speech in media. | | |
| |Explain the legal and regulatory safeguards on free speech in the media. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch. 15 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Bloggers and Legal Rights” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Bloggers and Legal Rights | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The First Amendment and Student Speech” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The First Amendment and | | | |
|Student Speech | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Nine Readings and Videos |Day 7 |15 |
|Free Speech Presentation | | | |
| |Select and research a recent controversial issue in the media that stretched societal | | |
| |tolerance of free speech. | | |
| | | | |
| |Create a presentation, using Microsoft® PowerPoint® (6 to 10 slides) or another multimedia | | |
| |tool, in which you explain and discuss the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |The issue itself and why it caused controversy | | |
| |What was done to resolve the controversy? | | |
| |If a legal case, what were the grounds for the verdict? | | |
| |Do you agree with the outcome, or would you have liked to see a more stringent or more | | |
| |lenient resolution? Why? | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your responses. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
Optional Discussion Questions
Week One Discussion Questions
• Do traditional media have an advantage over emerging media? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• The Internet has provided many forms of social media and new forms are continuously emerging. Which forms of social media do you use on a regular basis and why? Are there any social media that you previously used but no longer use? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Identify a single type of media (Internet, social media, newspaper, magazine, radio, or television) and describe the changes that have occurred to that type of media over the last 5 to 10 years. What implications so you see for the next 5 years? Explain.
• If you were a reporter with access to all forms of media distribution, which do you choose first to tell a story? Why? How you might have answered this question differently 20 years ago?
• In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, television news was broadcast by three major television networks. There were practically no opportunities to “talk back” to the television. Now, through the Internet, there are many ways to respond to both television and Internet news. Do you think this has had a positive or negative effect on American culture? Why?
• Is new media “mass” or not? Why?
Week Two Discussion Questions
• From your own experience, think of an example in which the media have been accused of unfairness. Draw on comments from parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians, and so forth. Do you think these criticisms were justified? Why, or why not?
• Although in some ways postmodern forms of communication, such as e-mail, smartphones, and Twitter, have helped people participate in global life, do you think these media have also caused harm to traditional or native cultures? If so, how and why? If not, why not?
• How would you define media literacy? What do you think it would take to be considered “media literate”?
• Imagine that you are in a situation for an extended period of time without access to mass media. Would your life style be significantly different? Explain.
• According to the textbook, which form of media convergence, technology or business, has the most influence on your news consumption? Why?
Week Three Discussion Questions
• The Net Neutrality Case Study in Ch. 2 of the text talks about net neutrality and concerns regarding speed and access on the Internet. What are the implications of a potential decline of neutrality on the Internet? Would you personally be affected if neutrality on the Internet ceased to exist? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Do you think the Internet can make democracy work better? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Do you think the concentration of media ownership limits the number of voices in the marketplace? Explain.
• How do you know whether you can trust Wikipedia or another online resource?
• The digital divide refers to people that have access to digital media versus those that do not. Are people who do not have a smartphone at a disadvantage (that is, are they on the wrong side of the digital divide)?
Week Four Discussion Questions
• The Week Four Toolwire Learnscape explores the effectiveness of using social media to bring attention to WhizBang Games. In general, do you think the benefits outweigh the problems of publicizing any business in this way? Why, or why not?
• Social media appears to add different benefits and values. What benefits do social media offer for your personal use? What type of negative experiences, if any, have you had from social media? Compare your answers with those of your classmates. How do they differ?
• Do you think virtual interactive communities are genuine communities? Why, or why not?
• Given the trends in online gaming, what roles beyond entertainment do you see for gaming in the near future?
• Do you think the makers of violent and sexually themed games should be held responsible for the behavior of those who play them? Why, or why not? How much responsibility do parents have in allowing children exposure to these sources?
• At what age do you think is appropriate for a child to have access to social media? Why?
Week Five Discussion Questions
• Over the last century, do you think music has changed from being about artistic expression to being more about money and business? Why or why not?
• Is it possible for a band or artist to make topical or political commentary in a song today while focusing on turning a profit?
• Can you think of a particular song or album that strongly affected your understanding of culture and society? If so, how did it do so? If not, why don’t you think you had that experience?
• Should National Public Radio (NPR), a source for news, commentary, and culture, continue to receive public funding? Why, or why not?
• Which of the two do you think had more influence on American culture: rock music of the ’70s or talk radio of the ’90s? Why?
• What artists and bands have had the greatest effect on popular culture? Explain why. Do you think the changing genre of popular music influences the culture of different eras? If so, how? If not, why not
Week Six Discussion Questions
• Choose a movie or show of a time you are familiar with that best reflected the popular culture of this country. What cultural aspects were present that made the movie or show appealing? Do you think those movies or television shows are still relevant and accurate? Why, or why not?
• Imagine a world without movies. What would it be like? Why?
• Some people consciously decide to not own a television set. Do you think they are wise, or are they missing out? Why do you think so?
• YouTube could be called television of the future. Do you think YouTube and television are more alike or different? Why?
• In 1939 Gone With the Wind was released with a swear word in it: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Today it would hardly be noticed. What do you think this change says about American culture?
Week Seven Discussion Questions
• How comfortable are you with the credibility of the information you find on the Internet? For example, consider websites such as dailykos.com, drudgereport.com, huffingtonpost.com, mrc.org, and so on. What, if anything, makes you comfortable about the credibility of these sources? Why?
• Many news media now attempt to increase popularity by incorporating entertainment value into their news items along with information value. Do you think this affects the ability of news media to uphold their social responsibilities?
• During the past election, did you ever find yourself following a political story or candidate on the Internet? Did you follow similar stories on candidates through television or in your local paper? What were the differences between Internet reporting and television/newspaper reporting? In your opinion, what are the general effects of the Internet on politics?
• Do you think news reporting has changed significantly with the advent of the Internet and converging media? Why, or why not?
• Do you think the media adequately holds politicians accountable for their actions? Why, or why not?
• American newspapers are reputedly dying. Do you think electronic media have had a major or minor influence on their alleged demise? Explain.
Week Eight Discussion Questions
• Can you think of an experience where advertising shaped your consumption? Explain.
• Controversial topics in advertising include targeting children(sometimes even in schools); advertising alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs; creating a culture of excessive consumerism; promoting unrealistic ideals of beauty and gender roles; deceptive marketing; and aggressive political advertising. Which of these issues do you find most problematic? Why?
• Are there particular advertisements that you find offensive? Which ones, and why?
• Are there particular advertisements that you find annoying? Which ones, and why?
• The city of San Francisco in 2010 banned toys in McDonald’s children’s meals. McDonalds responded by offering the toys for a nominal additional cost to the meal. How important do you think the toys were to the sales of those meals? Why?
Week Nine Discussion Questions
• Do you think online content should ever be censored? Explain.
• Do you think the current movie rating system serves its intended purpose, or should it be changed? Why, or why not?
• Between 1949 and 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was an FCC rule designed to provide “reasonable, although not necessarily equal” opportunities in presenting opposing viewpoints in radio broadcasting in order to avoid one-sided presentations. The practice was repealed under President Reagan as part of a wider deregulation effort. Do you think the Fairness Doctrine should be revived, revised, or left dead? Why?
• Some organizations and political figures have declared that Internet access is a civil right. Do you agree or disagree with this thinking? Why?
• What if an Internet search engine limited results to one political viewpoint or another? Would that be legal? Ethical? Explain.
• Occasionally search engines and social media sites have been accused of bias or slanted results when they appeared to curtail or advocate one political stance or another. This becomes a subject of debate because these tools are so universally accessed. However, what if a search engine excluded results that promoted hate speech, Internet piracy, or pornography? Is it appropriate to violate some individuals' rights of freedom of speech in any of those cases, or does freedom of speech trump all other concerns? Explain your thoughts.
Copyright
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Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix® editorial standards and practices.
| |HUM/176 |
| |Media and American Culture |
| |Holly Walter |
Copyright © 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved.
Course Description
The course provides an introduction …show more content…
to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the U.S. and around the world.
Policies
Students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following document:
• University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document.
University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.
Course Materials
Campbell, R., Martin, C.R., & Fabos, B (2012) Media & culture: An introduction to mass communication (8th.) New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s.
All electronic materials are available on the student website.
|Week One: The Formative Influence of Mass Media on American Culture |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives |Summarize the evolution of mass media. | | |
| |Identify the effects of mass media on American culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 1 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read the Timeline of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Agenda Setting and Gate-Keeping” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Agenda Setting and | | | |
|Gate-Keeping | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Media and Democracy” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Media and Democracy | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week One Readings and Videos |Day 7 |4 |
|Effects of Mass Media |Compose answers to fill in the Effects of Mass Media Worksheet | | |
|Worksheet | | | |
|Week Two: Critical Approaches to Mass Media |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the implications of media convergence, in terms of both technology and business.
| | |
| |Identify issues resulting from dependency on mass media. | | …show more content…
|
| |Describe the value of media literacy. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch. 1 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 12 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Going Viral: Political Campaigns and Video” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Going Viral | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Tablets, Technology, and the Classroom” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Tablets, Technology, and the | | | |
|Classroom | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Impact of Media Ownership” on Video Central.
| | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Impact of Media Ownership | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Two readings and videos |Day 7 |4 |
|Media Convergence Worksheet |Compose answers to fill in the Media Convergence Worksheet. | |
|
|Week Three: The Significance of the Internet and the Digital Age |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the implications of easily obtainable information in the digital age. | | |
| |Assess credibility issues regarding information on the Internet. | | |
| |Explain the concept of the digital divide. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch.2 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “User-Generated Content” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|User-Generated Content | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Net Neutrality” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Net Neutrality | | | |
|Individual |Your pen pal from a part of the world that lacks ready access to the Internet has written you|Day 7 |5 |
|Internet and Information Paper|a letter and asks you to explain several concepts. | | |
| | | | |
| |Hello, | | |
| | | | |
| |I hear so many good things and am so fascinated with what you can do with the Internet. | | |
| |Finding all this information so quickly must make your life very easy. But please tell me: | | |
| |how do you assess the value of all this information you find on the Internet? How can you be | | |
| |sure that it is reliable and credible? Also, I have heard the term “digital divide.” What | | |
| |exactly does it mean, and how do you think this divide could be bridged? | | |
| | | | |
| |Thank you for helping me to understand these issues! | | |
| | | | |
| |Best regards, | | |
| |Your friend | | |
| | | | |
| |Resources: Week Three Readings and Videos | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a 700-to 1,050-word letter in which you respond to your friend’s questions. | | |
|Week Four: The Role of Social Media and Virtual Networks |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the role of social media and virtual networks in a broader media culture. | | |
| |Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of social media. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch.2 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Rise of Social Media” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Rise of Social Media | | | |
|Individual |Choose one of the following options: |Day 7 |7 |
|Social Media Assignment | | | |
| |Option 1: Toolwire®: Examining the Use of Social Media | | |
| | | | |
| |Access the Toolwire® Learnscape: Examining the Use of Social Media through the link located | | |
| |on the student website. | | |
| |Complete the Learnscape Activities. | | |
| |Complete the Toolwire® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. | | |
| |Write 250 word response to each of the following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? | | |
| |How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social | | |
| |media? | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| |Option 2: Social Media Paper | | |
| | | | |
| |Write 700- to 1,050-word paper and address each of the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |Identify at least three different social media networks and describe how they are used. | | |
| |Explain the advantages and disadvantages of social media. | | |
| |Explain how knowing the advantages and disadvantages might alter how a person would use | | |
| |social media. | | |
| | | | |
| |Support your findings with specific examples. | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Five: The Impact of Audio Entertainment: Music and Radio |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the audio entertainment | | |
| |media. | | |
| |Assess how music and radio have affected American values. | | |
| |Analyze the influence of music and radio on social behavior. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 3 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 4 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Recording Music Today” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Recording Music Today | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Alternative Strategies for Music Marketing” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Alternative Strategies for | | | |
|Music Marketing | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Radio: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Radio: Yesterday, Today, and | | | |
|Tomorrow | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Going Visual: Video, Radio, and the Web” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Going Visual | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Five Readings and Videos |Day 7 |7 |
|Influence of Music | | | |
|Presentation |Create a 5- to 8-PowerPoint® slides to answer and illustrate the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |In what ways have music and radio shaped American culture and its values? | | |
| |Identify and introduce your favorite musician, band, or type of music. | | |
| |Explain how American culture and social behavior have been shaped by the music you listen to.| | |
| | | | |
| |Conclude your presentation by summarizing how audio media either reflect or influence social | | |
| |behavior and attitudes. | | |
|Week Six: The Power of Images: Television and Film |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the visual entertainment | | |
| |media. | | |
| |Assess how television and film have affected American values. | | |
| |Analyze the influence of television and film on social behavior. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 5 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 6 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 15 of Media & Culture, pp. 493-496 | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Blurring the Lines: Marketing Programs Across Platforms” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Blurring the Lines | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “What Makes Public Television ‘Public’?” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|What Makes Public Television | | | |
|“Public”? | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Based On: Making Books Into Movies” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Based On: Making Books Into | | | |
|Movies | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “More Than a Movie: Social Issues and Film” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|More Than a Movie | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Six Readings and Videos |Day 7 |5 |
|Influence of Visual Media | | | |
|Paper |Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you investigate the interrelationship between culture| | |
| |and the visual entertainment media, such as television and film. Include answers to the | | |
| |following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |In what ways have various forms of visual entertainment media shaped American culture and its| | |
| |values? | | |
| |Are the social influences of the visual entertainment media mostly positive or negative? | | |
| |Explain. | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your answers with specific examples. | | |
| | | | |
| |Conclude your paper by summarizing how visual media either reflect or influence social | | |
| |behavior and attitudes. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Seven: The News Media: Journalism and Democracy |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Assess how information media affect American values. | | |
| |Explain the social responsibilities of the news media. | | |
| |Describe the role of the news media in politics. | | |
| |Evaluate the transformative effect of electronic media on journalism. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 7 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 13 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Newspapers and the Internet: Convergence” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Newspapers and the Internet | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Fake News/Real News: A Fine Line” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Fake News/ | | | |
|Real News | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Newspapers Now: Balancing Citizen Journalism and Investigative Reporting” on Video | | |
|Preparation |Central. | | |
|Newspapers Now | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Journalism Ethics: What News Is Fit to Print? ” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Journalism Ethics | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Objectivity Myth” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Objectivity Myth | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The Contemporary Journalist: Pundit or Reporter? ” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The Contemporary Journalist: | | | |
|Pundit or Reporter? | | | |
|Individual |Choose one of the following options: |Day 7 |7 |
|News Media | | | |
| |Option 1: Toolwire® Learnscape Credibility and Impact | | |
| | | | |
| |Access the Toolwire® Learnscape: Credibility and Impact: Exploring the Internet and Politics | | |
| |through the link located on the student website. | | |
| | | | |
| |Complete the Learnscape Activities. | | |
| | | | |
| |Complete the Toolwire® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. | | |
| | | | |
| |Write 250-word response to the following question: | | |
| | | | |
| |Do the information media have social responsibility? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not? | | |
| | | | |
| |Option 2: Journalist E-mail | | |
| | | | |
| |You are a rookie news journalist, and you just completed your first major assignment covering| | |
| |a political campaign, including extensive research of websites to provide the political | | |
| |background of your story. Your best friend emails you and asks how it went. | | |
| | | | |
| |Write a 350-to 700-word e-mail to your friend in which you detail the challenges you faced | | |
| |regarding the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |Your responsibility as a journalist to provide fair, honest, and balanced coverage. | | |
| |How you struggled with whether your story was socially responsible. | | |
| |Assessing the credibility of the political Internet sites you visited for your research | | |
| |(consider Drudge Report, Daily Kos, Politico, Colbert Nation, The Hill, etc.). | | |
| |Your awareness of how political news reporting might influence public opinion and American | | |
| |values. | | |
|Week Eight: Advertising and the Culture of Consumerism |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Explain the role of advertising in a culture of consumerism. | | |
| |Outline key persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising. | | |
| |Identify critical issues in advertising. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 10 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Reading |Read Ch. 11 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Advertising and Effects on Children” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Advertising and Effects on | | | |
|Children | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Advertising in the Digital Age” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Advertising in the Digital Age| | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Filling the News Hole: Video News Releases” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Filling the News Hole | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Eight Readings and Videos |Day 7 |10 |
|Effects of Advertising |Choose a product or service from these examples: | | |
|Presentation | | | |
| |Fast food | | |
| |Class of consumer product | | |
| |Personal care | | |
| |Automobile | | |
| | | | |
| |Research online to analyze how that product or service has been advertised. | | |
| | | | |
| |Prepare an 8-to 12-slide PowerPoint® presentation in which you investigate the role of | | |
| |advertising in a culture of consumerism. Be sure to discuss the following areas: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the key persuasive techniques used in advertising for your selected product or | | |
| |service? Illustrate with specific examples, explaining how each technique works. | | |
| | | | |
| |Discuss whether any of the following critical issues that related or connected with you | | |
| |product or service: | | |
| | | | |
| |Children and advertising | | |
| |Advertising in schools | | |
| |Health and advertising | | |
| |Political advertising | | |
| | | | |
| |Find one example of a commercial or advertisement of your product or service that strikes you| | |
| |as particularly creative and appealing. Consider some of the following questions: | | |
| | | | |
| |What are the elements that are unusual? | | |
| |What is the target group of the commercial? | | |
| |How does the commercial appeal to consumers? | | |
| |Why do you believe this commercial to be effective in brand name recognition? | | |
| |Who determines ethical standards for advertising? | | |
| |How are ethical standards met (or pushed to their limits)? | | |
| | | | |
| |Summarize the ways in which advertising has affected American culture. | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your findings with specific examples. If you use external references, make sure to| | |
| |list your references on the last slide. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
|Week Nine: Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age |
| |Details |Due |Points |
|Objectives | | | |
| |Assess the tension between free speech and constraints on free speech in media. | | |
| |Explain the legal and regulatory safeguards on free speech in the media. | | |
|Reading |Review Ch. 15 of Media & Culture. | | |
|Participation |Participate in class discussion. |Day 7 |2 |
| |*Participate in the class discussions by posting at least 2 substantial messages on 4 out of | | |
| |7 days during the week, with a total of eight substantive messages per week. | | |
|Discussion Questions |Respond to weekly discussion questions. |Day 7 |2 |
| |* At least three of the discussion questions must be answered each week. These three | | |
| |discussion question answers will count towards the eight substantive postings needed for the | | |
| |week. | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “Bloggers and Legal Rights” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|Bloggers and Legal Rights | | | |
|Nongraded Activities and |Watch “The First Amendment and Student Speech” on Video Central. | | |
|Preparation | | | |
|The First Amendment and | | | |
|Student Speech | | | |
|Individual |Resources: Week Nine Readings and Videos |Day 7 |15 |
|Free Speech Presentation | | | |
| |Select and research a recent controversial issue in the media that stretched societal | | |
| |tolerance of free speech. | | |
| | | | |
| |Create a presentation, using Microsoft® PowerPoint® (6 to 10 slides) or another multimedia | | |
| |tool, in which you explain and discuss the following: | | |
| | | | |
| |The issue itself and why it caused controversy | | |
| |What was done to resolve the controversy? | | |
| |If a legal case, what were the grounds for the verdict? | | |
| |Do you agree with the outcome, or would you have liked to see a more stringent or more | | |
| |lenient resolution? Why? | | |
| | | | |
| |Illustrate your responses. | | |
| | | | |
| |Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. | | |
Optional Discussion Questions
Week One Discussion Questions
• Do traditional media have an advantage over emerging media? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• The Internet has provided many forms of social media and new forms are continuously emerging. Which forms of social media do you use on a regular basis and why? Are there any social media that you previously used but no longer use? If so, why? If not, why not?
• Identify a single type of media (Internet, social media, newspaper, magazine, radio, or television) and describe the changes that have occurred to that type of media over the last 5 to 10 years. What implications so you see for the next 5 years? Explain.
• If you were a reporter with access to all forms of media distribution, which do you choose first to tell a story? Why? How you might have answered this question differently 20 years ago?
• In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, television news was broadcast by three major television networks. There were practically no opportunities to “talk back” to the television. Now, through the Internet, there are many ways to respond to both television and Internet news. Do you think this has had a positive or negative effect on American culture? Why?
• Is new media “mass” or not? Why?
Week Two Discussion Questions
• From your own experience, think of an example in which the media have been accused of unfairness. Draw on comments from parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians, and so forth. Do you think these criticisms were justified? Why, or why not?
• Although in some ways postmodern forms of communication, such as e-mail, smartphones, and Twitter, have helped people participate in global life, do you think these media have also caused harm to traditional or native cultures? If so, how and why? If not, why not?
• How would you define media literacy? What do you think it would take to be considered “media literate”?
• Imagine that you are in a situation for an extended period of time without access to mass media. Would your life style be significantly different? Explain.
• According to the textbook, which form of media convergence, technology or business, has the most influence on your news consumption? Why?
Week Three Discussion Questions
• The Net Neutrality Case Study in Ch. 2 of the text talks about net neutrality and concerns regarding speed and access on the Internet. What are the implications of a potential decline of neutrality on the Internet? Would you personally be affected if neutrality on the Internet ceased to exist? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Do you think the Internet can make democracy work better? If so, how? If not, why not?
• Do you think the concentration of media ownership limits the number of voices in the marketplace? Explain.
• How do you know whether you can trust Wikipedia or another online resource?
• The digital divide refers to people that have access to digital media versus those that do not. Are people who do not have a smartphone at a disadvantage (that is, are they on the wrong side of the digital divide)?
Week Four Discussion Questions
• The Week Four Toolwire Learnscape explores the effectiveness of using social media to bring attention to WhizBang Games. In general, do you think the benefits outweigh the problems of publicizing any business in this way? Why, or why not?
• Social media appears to add different benefits and values. What benefits do social media offer for your personal use? What type of negative experiences, if any, have you had from social media? Compare your answers with those of your classmates. How do they differ?
• Do you think virtual interactive communities are genuine communities? Why, or why not?
• Given the trends in online gaming, what roles beyond entertainment do you see for gaming in the near future?
• Do you think the makers of violent and sexually themed games should be held responsible for the behavior of those who play them? Why, or why not? How much responsibility do parents have in allowing children exposure to these sources?
• At what age do you think is appropriate for a child to have access to social media? Why?
Week Five Discussion Questions
• Over the last century, do you think music has changed from being about artistic expression to being more about money and business? Why or why not?
• Is it possible for a band or artist to make topical or political commentary in a song today while focusing on turning a profit?
• Can you think of a particular song or album that strongly affected your understanding of culture and society? If so, how did it do so? If not, why don’t you think you had that experience?
• Should National Public Radio (NPR), a source for news, commentary, and culture, continue to receive public funding? Why, or why not?
• Which of the two do you think had more influence on American culture: rock music of the ’70s or talk radio of the ’90s? Why?
• What artists and bands have had the greatest effect on popular culture? Explain why. Do you think the changing genre of popular music influences the culture of different eras? If so, how? If not, why not
Week Six Discussion Questions
• Choose a movie or show of a time you are familiar with that best reflected the popular culture of this country. What cultural aspects were present that made the movie or show appealing? Do you think those movies or television shows are still relevant and accurate? Why, or why not?
• Imagine a world without movies. What would it be like? Why?
• Some people consciously decide to not own a television set. Do you think they are wise, or are they missing out? Why do you think so?
• YouTube could be called television of the future. Do you think YouTube and television are more alike or different? Why?
• In 1939 Gone With the Wind was released with a swear word in it: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Today it would hardly be noticed. What do you think this change says about American culture?
Week Seven Discussion Questions
• How comfortable are you with the credibility of the information you find on the Internet? For example, consider websites such as dailykos.com, drudgereport.com, huffingtonpost.com, mrc.org, and so on. What, if anything, makes you comfortable about the credibility of these sources? Why?
• Many news media now attempt to increase popularity by incorporating entertainment value into their news items along with information value. Do you think this affects the ability of news media to uphold their social responsibilities?
• During the past election, did you ever find yourself following a political story or candidate on the Internet? Did you follow similar stories on candidates through television or in your local paper? What were the differences between Internet reporting and television/newspaper reporting? In your opinion, what are the general effects of the Internet on politics?
• Do you think news reporting has changed significantly with the advent of the Internet and converging media? Why, or why not?
• Do you think the media adequately holds politicians accountable for their actions? Why, or why not?
• American newspapers are reputedly dying. Do you think electronic media have had a major or minor influence on their alleged demise? Explain.
Week Eight Discussion Questions
• Can you think of an experience where advertising shaped your consumption? Explain.
• Controversial topics in advertising include targeting children(sometimes even in schools); advertising alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs; creating a culture of excessive consumerism; promoting unrealistic ideals of beauty and gender roles; deceptive marketing; and aggressive political advertising. Which of these issues do you find most problematic? Why?
• Are there particular advertisements that you find offensive? Which ones, and why?
• Are there particular advertisements that you find annoying? Which ones, and why?
• The city of San Francisco in 2010 banned toys in McDonald’s children’s meals. McDonalds responded by offering the toys for a nominal additional cost to the meal. How important do you think the toys were to the sales of those meals? Why?
Week Nine Discussion Questions
• Do you think online content should ever be censored? Explain.
• Do you think the current movie rating system serves its intended purpose, or should it be changed? Why, or why not?
• Between 1949 and 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was an FCC rule designed to provide “reasonable, although not necessarily equal” opportunities in presenting opposing viewpoints in radio broadcasting in order to avoid one-sided presentations. The practice was repealed under President Reagan as part of a wider deregulation effort. Do you think the Fairness Doctrine should be revived, revised, or left dead? Why?
• Some organizations and political figures have declared that Internet access is a civil right. Do you agree or disagree with this thinking? Why?
• What if an Internet search engine limited results to one political viewpoint or another? Would that be legal? Ethical? Explain.
• Occasionally search engines and social media sites have been accused of bias or slanted results when they appeared to curtail or advocate one political stance or another. This becomes a subject of debate because these tools are so universally accessed. However, what if a search engine excluded results that promoted hate speech, Internet piracy, or pornography? Is it appropriate to violate some individuals' rights of freedom of speech in any of those cases, or does freedom of speech trump all other concerns? Explain your thoughts.
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