“The convergence of media and technology in a global culture is changing the way we learn about the world and challenging the very foundations of education. No longer is it enough to be able to read the printed word; children, youth, and adults, too, need the ability to both critically interpret the powerful images of a multimedia culture and express themselves in multiple media forms.

Media literacy education provides a framework and a pedagogy for the new literacy needed for living, working and citizenship in the 21st century. Moreover it paves the way to mastering the skills required for lifelong learning in a constantly changing world.”

Elizabeth Thoman and Tessa Jolls
Media Literacy: A National Priority for a Changing World

COURSE DESCRIPTION

In the 21st Century, we are continuously involved with mass media. Media is a powerful force in our realities that affects how we perceive ourselves and influences our understanding of society, politics, and culture. Throughout this course we will examine the ways media defines our perceptions and shapes our life experience. By developing critical thinking proficiency we will enhance our ability to interpret the intent and strategies of media.

Throughout this course we will examine a variety of media including images, video, audio, television, games, and the Internet. Through reading, reflection, reasoning, discussion, production and presentation you will acquire media literacy skills that are crucial in our world today. You will gain awareness of the methods, issues, theories and subtleties of mass media both historically and in regards to its rapid development. Learn to ask critical questions in order to get the most from mass media.

You will take an active role in this course by participating in and shaping contemporary media and culture through publishing a blog for this course.

There are no right or wrong ideas, we will simply move toward a clear and educated understanding of the complex, advancing sphere of MEDIA.

GRADING

Participation 10%
Participation in this course is a mandatory requirement. You are expected to assume an ACTIVE role in class. It is your responsibility to engage and participate in the entire duration of every class. Participation can include and is not limited to verbal expression of ideas during discussions, thoughtful analysis of media, and asking questions. Please show up prepared for class and participate.  

Media Blog 30%
Create and maintain your own media blog using either Blogger or Word Press. Design, develop, and network this site and add content to it throughout the duration of the course. Your assignments will be posted on your blog for the instructor and students to view and to posts comments on. Assignments will included Consumption Log reports, Reaction Essays (500 words), research updates, exercises, and current issues. You will also maintain your blog as a Media Journal. The blog may include: text, images, audio, video, links, etc.

With a notepad, thoroughly document a waking day, approximately 16 hours, of your media exposure and usage. This raw data will be the source for your Consumption Log Reports. Spend one entire day observing the ways you consume culture. Use a notepad to make notes on all the ways you are exposed to, interact with, or create media. Include reactions and effects of the media. Publish this log and writing via your blog for the class to comment.

We are often immersed in media (text, sound, images, newspapers, magazines, film, radio, television, World Wide Web, books, CDs, DVDs and much more) and the messages being communicated are usually constructed to serve a purpose. After gathering data, I encourage you to research the source of the media, its origins and purpose. 

Weekly journaling includes: continued logs of media usage, deconstruction and analysis of media of personal interest, contextualization of current media events, and current research.

Media Use/Effect 10%
Recount your personal mass media use history and give examples of effects it has had upon you. This paper should include sections on your preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, and your current media use. Each section should discuss your favorite media and why, how you used the media, and effects from the media. Minimums: 1000 words, 3 references

Quizzes and in-class assignments 5%
There will be several reading quizzes given throughout the semester as needed, as well as several in-class writing assignments.

Text Analysis/Group Presentation 15%
In assigned groups of 3 or 4, select a piece of popular culture to critique. Create a 10 to 15 minute report deconstructing the methods, message, and meaning of a media text. Consider context, author, company, target audience, and effectiveness. We will take then time to analyze the text as a group.   

Final Project 30%
Students will have some flexibility in choosing a topic but the final project should reflect some familiarity with the materials covered in the course. Students should consider their total media environment and choose an area that stimulates their personal interests. However, a purely subjective response to the topic without reference to the elements and methods of critical inquiry covered in class is not appropriate.

Total is based on 100%
A 100-90 (Exceptional)
B  89-80 (Above Average)
C  79-70 (Average)
D  69-60 (Below Average)
F  59-50 (Failing)

**Your attendance will affect your final grade (refer to attendance portion of syllabus below). Based on your attendance, points will be deducted from your final percentage.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Communication and Availability
Communication will primarily occur in class and through email. Be sure to check your email daily. You are responsible for emails sent by the professor to your Fort Lewis College account. Please schedule appointments to meet with me during office hours. If confirming these meetings through email, please give reasonable notice.

Laptops
You are not permitted to use laptops during class, use a notebook. You may use your laptop computer for presentations only.

Late Assignments
There will be no late assignments accepted.

Incompletes and Withdrawals
Any request for an incomplete or withdrawal from the course needs to be substantiated by documentation of hardship: accident, illness, death.

Attendance
Attendance in this course is a mandatory requirement. You are expected to attend every class and stay for the entire duration. Tardiness, early departures, lack of being prepared, or lack of awareness or attention during class will count as absences--two incidents of any of previously stated will equal one absence and will accumulate and impact the final grade. A student may be absent from class three times during the semester without his or her final grade being affected. There are no excused absences beyond those three. Any further absences will result in a grade reduction for every missed class-–upon the 5th absence the student will receive a failing grade. 

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the intended or unintended use of someone else's language and/or ideas without revealing the source of that material, leading the audience to believe that the work is original. This includes your blogs. You must attribute all your sources. Minimum penalty for plagiarism is a zero on the assignment (and possible course failure); I will also follow College rules and report any instances of plagiarism to the administration.

Accommodations
If you need course adaptation or accommodation because of a disability (physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.), please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.