Media Literacy
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MEDIA LITERACY is a way of thinking about the media; a way of deconstructing media messages to gain more control over them. In this class, we'll be deconstructing media content--photographs, newspaper articles, advertisements, tv shows, movies, documentaries, public relations materials, websites--and developing an understanding of how this media content influences us and how we in turn can influence others. We'll also discuss the importance of multiple points of view, and learn to identify our (U.S.) media's powerful leanings towards commercialism, individualism, and specific ideologies. This class aims to help you become media literate, but also to think more strongly about the media as they relate to citizenship and democracy. COURSE OBJECTIVES |
| TEXT/READINGS |  |
O'Shaugnessy, Michael and Stadler, Jane (2016). Media & Society, 6e. London. Oxford Press. AVAILABLE AT UNIVERSITY BOOK AND SUPPLY and elsewhere. A copy of the 5e will be available for you on reserve at the Multimedia Service Center in Rod Library. Other readings come from book chapters and newspaper/magazine articles, and will be links in the syllabus, emailed to you, or located on the class' eLearning site (Content area). Students will be expected to take notes on the readings, take notes as well as participate during class discussions, and synthesize all information through journal and group discussion work. |
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
| ASSIGNMENT | GRADE PERCENTAGE | DUE DATE | |
| JOURNAL: Regular journal entries graded on a pass/fail basis to help you connect with the readings, contribute to class discussions, and study for the two exams. Please expect to write about 3/4 page--1 page, single space, 12-point Times Roman. | 25% | Journal work assigned weekly. Check the schedule for questions and due dates. You are allowed to miss 2 journal entries out of 16 journal assignments without having your grade affected. | |
| GROUP WORK 1: PICTURE COMPOSITION ANALYSIS AND PHOTO ESSAY | 10% | Tuesday, Sept.18 | |
| GROUP WORK 2: HEGEMONY | 5% | Tuesday, Oct. 4 | |
| CRITICAL ESSAY | 20% | Tuesday, Oct. 9 | |
| PHOTOSHOP PROJECT | 5% | Thursday, Oct. 18 | |
| IDS EVENT | required presentation | Friday, Sept. 21, 7:00 p.m., ITTC 134-136 | |
| CLOHESY SERIES | required screening--one of two days | Monday, Oct. 8 OR Tuesday Oct. 9, 7 pm. Lang Hall | |
| GROUP WORK 3: VIDEOGAME STRUCTURE PRESENTATION | 5% | Thursday, Oct 25 | |
| CULTURE JAMMING ASSIGNMENT | 5% | Thursday, Dec. 6 | |
| FINAL EXAM (take home essay) STUDY GUIDE | 20% | Thursday, December 13, 1pm | |
| PARTICIPATION | 5% | Includes attendance. You are strongly encouraged to come to class and participate in all discussions | |
The final course grade is based on a standard 200-point scale with 10-point grade intervals and plus/minus. For all work, assume that average work merits an average grade "C." Work should be better than average to merit a grade in the "B" range, and excellent/exceptional to merit a grade in the "A" range. Plagiarism and cheating is strictly prohibited. All work should be your own; use of published material should be documented as such with citations and/or quotes. Plagiarism and/or cheating will result in an "F" for the course and university disciplinary action. MISSED JOURNALS ATTENDANCE |
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| ACADEMIC LEARNING CENTER'S FREE ASSISTANCE WITH WRITING, MATH, READING AND LEARNING STRATEGIES Students are encouraged to use The Learning Center @ Rod Library (formerly The Academic Learning Center) for assistance with writing, math, science, reading and learning strategies. Meet with trained and certified tutors during walk-in hours or by appointment. For more information, visit us in person on the main floor of Rod Library, on the web at tlc.uni.edu or by calling 319-273-6023. |
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| DISABILITY SERVICES The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. Students requesting instructional accomodations due to disabilities must arrange for such accomodation through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS is located at 103 Student Health Center, phone number: 273-2676 |
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