Intro to Media Studies

Course Description

Our major units will include:

Journalism, Creative Non-fiction, Film, Graphic Novels/Cartoons, Photography, Television & New Media

Social/Cultural Problems

“Whoever controls the media, controls the mind” -- Jim Morrison

Your Student Responsibilities!

• To understand and explore the characteristics of effective writing

• To learn successful writing techniques for non-fiction and script writing

• To explore and develop each writer’s own authentic voice

• To practice the writing process (from brainstorming through publication) in a variety of writing projects

• To communicate effectively in class and small-group discussions; to become media "literate"

• To read and research a variety of different texts as models, inspiration, and for a better understanding of the topics central to the academic fields of Communications, Media Studies, & Journalism

Course Requirements: Participate, Engage, Communicate, Read, Write, Think!

Participate in class assignments and projects, engage in the complete writing process, Keep a folder for handouts/work in progress/writing exercises, Keep a writer’s portfolio of all work in progress and completed/revised work, Keep a journal or writing notebook for writing assignments and practices, Adhere to standard written English language conventions and grammar, Communicate regularly with the teacher and peers through conference and discussions, Respect and follow the rules and procedures of the school and classroom, above all: think, try, enjoy!

Grading Info Stuff

During this course, you'll be asked to view, read, and analyze quite a few lectures, videos, films, and articles.

You can maximize what you learn by following four easy steps:

1) adopt active listening/reading skills;

2) take clear, effective notes;

3) review your notes within 24 hours of taking them; and...

4) Ask questions of your teacher and peer/classmates.

View the video lecture from the Khan Academy on Mass Media. Listen, take notes, ask questions.

Intro to Media Studies

$1.25

Vol XCIII, No. 311

"We spend 1/3 of our lives immersed in the media."--Ziauddin Sardar

"Read All About It!"

Some issues we will study in depth...

Cause & Effect: One Perspective

What's Wrong With the Media?

Building on various units and skills covered in the 9th grade year, students will continue to develop their writing skills while examining the discipline of journalism and media studies.

This course focuses on the content, history, artistry, and philosophical issues the discipline encounters.

Students will be asked to write creatively in a variety of genres (including journalism, creative non-fiction, film, graphic novels, cartoons, photography, television, new media, etc.).

Students will study, learn, and critically think, discuss, and write about the role of Media in our lives and culture, and continue to develop their writer's voice in a variety of original writing projects to build a creative writing portfolio.

What you need to know to be successful in this course

Course Evaluation:

25% Attendance, behavior, participation, homework, discussions

25% Portfolio (graded each term), classwork

25% Writing practices, writing projects

25% Tests/quizzes

Course Objectives/Requirements

Tips to be a successful student:

• Come prepared to think, interact, listen, or ask
• Read the required texts (books, articles, blogs, shows, films, etc.), evaluate, & form opinions on this stuff
• Try: you may not be good at this, but you will get better by trying...

Questions?

Let's try it!

Discussion of Media