Module 4 - Part 1, Angel Discussion Board Assignment

Due Monday, February 21

Mixed Media Mania

We got the bubble-headed-bleach-blonde who
Comes on at five
She can tell you 'bout the plane crash with a gleam
In her eye
It's interesting when people die-
Give us dirty laundry
- Don Henely.

The authors of Warp Speed - Mixed Media in America claim that Mixed Media Culture has five main characteristics:

1) A Never-Ending News Cycle Makes Journalism Less Complete
2) Sources Are Gaining Power Over Journalists
3) There Are No More Gatekeepers
4) Argument Is Overwhelming Reporting
5) The "Blockbuster Mentality"

Your assignment is to consume news. I suggest you consume a variety of news sources. Look for examples which confirm some (or all) of these 5 characteristics. Make sure you define the characteristics.

Then, by Monday, share your examples on the Angel Discussion Board and explain how they confirm the authors' ideas. If you can't confirm it, explain why you think the authors are wrong.

Module 4 - Part 2, Angel Discussion Board Assignment

Due Wednesday, February 23

"'Mr. Media', where was you at when my man died
When it was classified a drug related homicide
It's like until the killer hit the suburbs
I ain't hear nothing, not a word

'Mr. Media', help us shed light on these homicides
Not just Columbine, but all the time"
- LL Cool J.

The authors of Boys to Men: Entertainment Media come to the following conclusion:

"Today's boys navigate a perilous path toward manhood. Even if he is raised in a healthy, loving environment, a boy must sort out powerful societal messages that limit and restrict the definition of masculinity -- the definition of who he should become. And he will hear and see these messages reinforced and amplified on television, in the movies, in music videos, and in video games -- throughout his favorite sources of entertainment. Serious or subtle, the media's role in defining manhood is significant. And it is also filled with potential. With its unquestionable ability to influence attitudes and affect behavior, the media has the power to alter the drumbeat -- to enlarge the options -- to provide boys a fuller, more complete picture of the men they can become."

Consume some media and watch for examples of "role models", both negative and positive. Choose one and relate how the media portrays that role model with the content analysis in "Boys to Men." Make sure you define the trend you observed. Does it match the trends found in the article? Does it differ? What do YOU think the impact of that role model might be on boys?

Module 4 - Part 3, Angel Discussion Board Assignment

Due Monday, February 28

Short People got no reason
To live
They got little hands
Little eyes
They walk around
Tellin' great big lies
They got little noses
And tiny little teeth
They wear platform shoes
On their nasty little feet
- Randy Newman

Consume some media and watch for examples of "group behavior." Briefly explain what you learned about that group from the media and how you learned it. Make sure you explain the group and define the group behavior you observed. Do YOU think that behavior is accurate?