Assignment 1
Blog Creation and Interview
Part 1. Create a blog on blogger.com. To make it easy please name it
like this- (yourname).weebly.com
(They put the weebly.com part on.)
Part 2. Finish writing your biographical interview article and post it to your blog.
Part 3. Reading and response 1
Please read this article and create a 200 word response that is essentially a summary of 2 of the important concepts from the article. For example - "asynchronous communication". Explain it and find an article on-line that talks about an example of the technology. Pull 2 quotes from the articles you find for your article. Be sure to cite the article and copy and past the link to the bottom of your article.
Blog Creation and Interview
Part 1. Create a blog on blogger.com. To make it easy please name it
like this- (yourname).weebly.com
(They put the weebly.com part on.)
Part 2. Finish writing your biographical interview article and post it to your blog.
Part 3. Reading and response 1
Please read this article and create a 200 word response that is essentially a summary of 2 of the important concepts from the article. For example - "asynchronous communication". Explain it and find an article on-line that talks about an example of the technology. Pull 2 quotes from the articles you find for your article. Be sure to cite the article and copy and past the link to the bottom of your article.
Assignment from class: Please write a short research article on a technology that has gone through the ESP cycle as explained in the Wilson Article. Please provide at least 2 quotes from interviews or articles to support your conclusions. Be sure to cite the articles in your bibliography at the bottom of your response.
Assignment 2
Writing on Consumerism
Step 1:
Read the following definition of Consumerism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumerism
Watch the Following Video: The Story of Stuff
My collection of related articles: https://www.evernote.com/pub/construkt/md-consumerism
Your Assignment: On your blog write a response article that answers the following questions.
What is consumerism?
Why does being aware of consumerism matter?
Are there alternatives to consumer culture?
You must use other opinions from articles you have researched and you must cite them either directly within the article or with foot notes. While this has the guts of a research paper keep in your mind that you will read this aloud as a podcast. So keep it entertaining and to the point.
the final written result should be about 400 words or about 3 minutes in length read aloud.
Yes, you should start with a narrative hook. You should also understand that your listener may not have any previous understanding of the definition of consumer culture so you’ll have to do some explaining.
We will critique your writing in class and move on to the tech of podcasting then.
Writing on Consumerism
Step 1:
Read the following definition of Consumerism: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumerism
Watch the Following Video: The Story of Stuff
My collection of related articles: https://www.evernote.com/pub/construkt/md-consumerism
Your Assignment: On your blog write a response article that answers the following questions.
What is consumerism?
Why does being aware of consumerism matter?
Are there alternatives to consumer culture?
You must use other opinions from articles you have researched and you must cite them either directly within the article or with foot notes. While this has the guts of a research paper keep in your mind that you will read this aloud as a podcast. So keep it entertaining and to the point.
the final written result should be about 400 words or about 3 minutes in length read aloud.
Yes, you should start with a narrative hook. You should also understand that your listener may not have any previous understanding of the definition of consumer culture so you’ll have to do some explaining.
We will critique your writing in class and move on to the tech of podcasting then.
Assignment 3
Podcast Part 2 - Consumer Culture
1. After discussing your first response in class please re-read and update your article with any new insights on the topic. Be sure to refer to the video we watched (by name) and revise your article to include a summary on what we can do about consumer culture and its effects.
2. Once you have written the article read it aloud. Slowly and with emphasis. Time it. Be sure it comes in under 3 minutes. Do not simply read faster as it will weaken the experience for the listener. Edit to time.
3. Using Garageband (mac) or audacity (Pc) record yourself reading your article. Edit to remove any mess-ups. Once the narration is complete and free of errors create another track in the project and put music in the front and back. Be sure to close the podcast by saying "Reporting for Digital Citizen this is... (insert your name)"
Once the podcast is complete you can export and share with friends etc by creating a sound cloud.com account and posting it there. To post to your blog simple go to the "share" icon under your podcast and take the embed code from the coudcloud page.
On your blog start a new post and name it appropriately. Click the "HTML" tab at the top of the post and paste the "embed code" from soundcloud and save it. The post should then show up on a blog with your podcast in a player.
Podcast Part 2 - Consumer Culture
1. After discussing your first response in class please re-read and update your article with any new insights on the topic. Be sure to refer to the video we watched (by name) and revise your article to include a summary on what we can do about consumer culture and its effects.
2. Once you have written the article read it aloud. Slowly and with emphasis. Time it. Be sure it comes in under 3 minutes. Do not simply read faster as it will weaken the experience for the listener. Edit to time.
3. Using Garageband (mac) or audacity (Pc) record yourself reading your article. Edit to remove any mess-ups. Once the narration is complete and free of errors create another track in the project and put music in the front and back. Be sure to close the podcast by saying "Reporting for Digital Citizen this is... (insert your name)"
Once the podcast is complete you can export and share with friends etc by creating a sound cloud.com account and posting it there. To post to your blog simple go to the "share" icon under your podcast and take the embed code from the coudcloud page.
On your blog start a new post and name it appropriately. Click the "HTML" tab at the top of the post and paste the "embed code" from soundcloud and save it. The post should then show up on a blog with your podcast in a player.
Assignment 4
News Report Proposals -
In this assignment we will explore current events as they relate to communications, the media and digital citizenship. You will propose 3 topics to report on for an eventual news cast. Post the proposals to your blog so we can read them in class
Include links to at least 2 articles for each proposal.
General topic suggestions - Censorship, Surveillance, Corporate Media Ownership, Advertising techniques, propaganda techniques, sexism in the media, stereotypes, portrayal of violence.
Please read the attached articles -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VmhlGMcRyBMKIqF52UmV5xh073G17UOB9lzC4famd6U/edit?usp=sharing
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s4/res/a54acf50-2a41-48e7-b5f0-a2c48f1b2b75/propaganda.pdf
Here is an archive of articles on advertising and propaganda
https://www.evernote.com/pub/construkt/md-propagandaandadvertising
Assignment for Sept. 23 - Please have the first draft of your script ready for this class. You should have your interview arranged by Wednesday. If you're having trouble arranging interview please contact me ASAP.
Also for Wednesday, Please view this documentary and prepare a few discussion questions. Take notes on all of the surprising tactics advertisers use to influence consumers. Post to your site as a blog entry.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/
News Report Proposals -
In this assignment we will explore current events as they relate to communications, the media and digital citizenship. You will propose 3 topics to report on for an eventual news cast. Post the proposals to your blog so we can read them in class
Include links to at least 2 articles for each proposal.
General topic suggestions - Censorship, Surveillance, Corporate Media Ownership, Advertising techniques, propaganda techniques, sexism in the media, stereotypes, portrayal of violence.
Please read the attached articles -
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VmhlGMcRyBMKIqF52UmV5xh073G17UOB9lzC4famd6U/edit?usp=sharing
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s4/res/a54acf50-2a41-48e7-b5f0-a2c48f1b2b75/propaganda.pdf
Here is an archive of articles on advertising and propaganda
https://www.evernote.com/pub/construkt/md-propagandaandadvertising
Assignment for Sept. 23 - Please have the first draft of your script ready for this class. You should have your interview arranged by Wednesday. If you're having trouble arranging interview please contact me ASAP.
Also for Wednesday, Please view this documentary and prepare a few discussion questions. Take notes on all of the surprising tactics advertisers use to influence consumers. Post to your site as a blog entry.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/persuaders/
Assignment 5
News Report - Prepare to read your article via teleprompter. You will have to email the text to me after it has been proof read. Please rehearse it several times and be sure you are pronouncing names and places correctly. Spell them out phonetically if needed. We will begin taping on Tuesday Feb 4th. Don't wear green. I may shoot some of you on the green screen.
Due Feb 11 - The next assignment will be a response to a documentary. You can get a jump on it by watching the full program here - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/
The assignemnt will be to write a letter to your future child or young relative on the perils of consumer culture. You will explain some of the techniques marketing agencies and advertisers use to manipulate people into buying. The letter should be a solid 2 pages between 300-400 words.
News Report - Prepare to read your article via teleprompter. You will have to email the text to me after it has been proof read. Please rehearse it several times and be sure you are pronouncing names and places correctly. Spell them out phonetically if needed. We will begin taping on Tuesday Feb 4th. Don't wear green. I may shoot some of you on the green screen.
Due Feb 11 - The next assignment will be a response to a documentary. You can get a jump on it by watching the full program here - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/
The assignemnt will be to write a letter to your future child or young relative on the perils of consumer culture. You will explain some of the techniques marketing agencies and advertisers use to manipulate people into buying. The letter should be a solid 2 pages between 300-400 words.
Assignment 6 - Report on 2 Documentaries
Understanding the Influence of the Media
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/
Students with last names starting with letters A-F will watch merchants of cool and create a list of topics to discuss from viewing this documentary. This team will then create a full news cast around these issues. You are to bring a written response to class along with a proposal for your next TV script. The topic should be related to something from the film.
Students with last names beginning with a letter from G-Z will watch Generation Like
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/generation-like/
and create a list of topics to discuss from viewing this documentary. This team will then create a full news cast around these issues. You are to bring a written response to class along with a proposal for your next TV script. The topic should be related to something from the film.
Understanding the Influence of the Media
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/cool/
Students with last names starting with letters A-F will watch merchants of cool and create a list of topics to discuss from viewing this documentary. This team will then create a full news cast around these issues. You are to bring a written response to class along with a proposal for your next TV script. The topic should be related to something from the film.
Students with last names beginning with a letter from G-Z will watch Generation Like
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/generation-like/
and create a list of topics to discuss from viewing this documentary. This team will then create a full news cast around these issues. You are to bring a written response to class along with a proposal for your next TV script. The topic should be related to something from the film.
Assignment 7
News Team Project
You and you assigned partners will break into a group and designate an anchor to be behind the desk of a news cast your team creates. The other group members will write reports from destinations around the world on various media and technology topics.
The anchor will be responsible for meeting with each team member and writing a brief (2 question) q&a to add to the end of each reporter's segment.
Below are a few links to articles with topics you might find interesting. Your report will be factual and based on at least 3 sources which you will quote in the text. You will read the report in front of the green screen on teleprompter.
News Team Project
You and you assigned partners will break into a group and designate an anchor to be behind the desk of a news cast your team creates. The other group members will write reports from destinations around the world on various media and technology topics.
The anchor will be responsible for meeting with each team member and writing a brief (2 question) q&a to add to the end of each reporter's segment.
Below are a few links to articles with topics you might find interesting. Your report will be factual and based on at least 3 sources which you will quote in the text. You will read the report in front of the green screen on teleprompter.
Assignment 8
Analyzing Magazines - Post to your blog by Nov 18
You will be given 2 magazines in class. Your assignment is to write an analysis of each one.
The first step is to simply READ through them leaving the Adbusters magazine for last. Don't simply browse the magazines. The only way to really understand a magazine's scope is to read it fully. Pay particular attention to the features but also look to see how many supplements there are. These are minor articles, factoids, infographics, opinion columns, quizzes etc
Start with a look at the table of contents and see if there is a sensational aspect to the articles. Are they all hype or hard news? For each magazine there is a publishers page, when you are writing your analysis be sure to name the editor and company that publishes the magazine. Look also at how many people are on staff.
Your written analysis: In your opening paragraph give your reader an overview of the magazine's history and what a reader can expect inside. In paragraph 2, you'll want to write about who the magazine seems to target as readers. This can be deduced by looking at the articles but more easily understood by who are the prominent advertisers are and what products they're selling. (half page ads or greater)
In your third paragraph give us you opinion on whether the magazine was informative, fluffy, opinionated, technical, emotional, artistic, staid etc. Post each analysis to your blog with a picture of the magazine's cover.
Analyzing Magazines - Post to your blog by Nov 18
You will be given 2 magazines in class. Your assignment is to write an analysis of each one.
The first step is to simply READ through them leaving the Adbusters magazine for last. Don't simply browse the magazines. The only way to really understand a magazine's scope is to read it fully. Pay particular attention to the features but also look to see how many supplements there are. These are minor articles, factoids, infographics, opinion columns, quizzes etc
Start with a look at the table of contents and see if there is a sensational aspect to the articles. Are they all hype or hard news? For each magazine there is a publishers page, when you are writing your analysis be sure to name the editor and company that publishes the magazine. Look also at how many people are on staff.
Your written analysis: In your opening paragraph give your reader an overview of the magazine's history and what a reader can expect inside. In paragraph 2, you'll want to write about who the magazine seems to target as readers. This can be deduced by looking at the articles but more easily understood by who are the prominent advertisers are and what products they're selling. (half page ads or greater)
In your third paragraph give us you opinion on whether the magazine was informative, fluffy, opinionated, technical, emotional, artistic, staid etc. Post each analysis to your blog with a picture of the magazine's cover.
Assignment 9
Writing a Feature Article - How Journalism Works
Outline and/or first draft due November 23
Please make interview arrangements asap.
Proposal due via google doc by November 20
The work on Digital Citizen Magazine begins now. In this first step of the process you will create a google doc and share it with me ([email protected]). The document will allow me to write notes directly into your proposals.
The Assignment: You will find and read a media text about a recent terrorist attack. You will create an analysis of the text detailing how many sources the author cites and listing any statements that seem like the author's opinion. To learn more about the process of journalism you will reach out to the author and try to schedule an interview via skype or phone. If the author is unable, then email interview can be substituted. The questions you should ask the author are as follows: (But feel free to generate your own)
How did you gather your sources?
How do you vet sources that want to remain anonymous?
Who reviews your story before publication?
How are your stories selected?
How do you handle the feedback you get on-line?
How long have you been a journalist/reporter?
What are the most challenging kinds of stories to write?
What did you wish you knew about journalism/working in the media before you started?
You will then turn your research and interview into a 500-600 word article for the Digital Citizen magazine and also place it on the front page of your class blog. First draft is due Nov 30.
Here is a basic outline of the article:
1. narrative hook - a humanizing aspect of the story
2. define the crisis or conflict
3. interview - what's being done?
4. summary and follow up on narrative hook
5. how to get involved
Be sure to keep all of your references and resources. You must have a bibliography on your web version of this article.
Writing a Feature Article - How Journalism Works
Outline and/or first draft due November 23
Please make interview arrangements asap.
Proposal due via google doc by November 20
The work on Digital Citizen Magazine begins now. In this first step of the process you will create a google doc and share it with me ([email protected]). The document will allow me to write notes directly into your proposals.
The Assignment: You will find and read a media text about a recent terrorist attack. You will create an analysis of the text detailing how many sources the author cites and listing any statements that seem like the author's opinion. To learn more about the process of journalism you will reach out to the author and try to schedule an interview via skype or phone. If the author is unable, then email interview can be substituted. The questions you should ask the author are as follows: (But feel free to generate your own)
How did you gather your sources?
How do you vet sources that want to remain anonymous?
Who reviews your story before publication?
How are your stories selected?
How do you handle the feedback you get on-line?
How long have you been a journalist/reporter?
What are the most challenging kinds of stories to write?
What did you wish you knew about journalism/working in the media before you started?
You will then turn your research and interview into a 500-600 word article for the Digital Citizen magazine and also place it on the front page of your class blog. First draft is due Nov 30.
Here is a basic outline of the article:
1. narrative hook - a humanizing aspect of the story
2. define the crisis or conflict
3. interview - what's being done?
4. summary and follow up on narrative hook
5. how to get involved
Be sure to keep all of your references and resources. You must have a bibliography on your web version of this article.
10. Explaining Biases
In this assignment you will explain one of the 20 cognitive biases from the link below. After conducting research, you will write a few paragraphs explaining the bias in greater detail. Gather at least 3 examples and write about 2 sentences for each example. You can use images from google images to illustrate the example.
Once you have the text written and the captions for the examples you will lay out a single page using google drawing or photoshop. The page MUST follow these parameters. Once you have an open document go to file/page setup and change the settings to "Custom" and change the size to 8.5 inches by 11.
The page should be taller than wide. As demonstrated in class please layout the page and have it ready for critique by next class.
Once you have the text written and the captions for the examples you will lay out a single page using google drawing or photoshop. The page MUST follow these parameters. Once you have an open document go to file/page setup and change the settings to "Custom" and change the size to 8.5 inches by 11.
The page should be taller than wide. As demonstrated in class please layout the page and have it ready for critique by next class.
Assignment 10
The Spoof Ad - mock-up or detailed description due Nov 30
What is a spoof ad? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody_advertisement
Best of - http://www.webdesignviews.com/2009/08/being-a-creative-critique-40-best-spoof-ads/
The Spoof Ad - mock-up or detailed description due Nov 30
What is a spoof ad? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody_advertisement
Best of - http://www.webdesignviews.com/2009/08/being-a-creative-critique-40-best-spoof-ads/
Assignment 11
Creating an Info-graphic
Using one of the on-line infographics creation sites create an ancillary info-graphic related to your primary research from your feature article. More details in class.
http://infogr.am/
Google Apps "draw"
http://visual.ly/
Exampleshttp://www.swimmingly.com/relationships/proposals/heres-how-much-it-costs-to-propose-at-every-major-league-baseball-stadium/
Creating an Info-graphic
Using one of the on-line infographics creation sites create an ancillary info-graphic related to your primary research from your feature article. More details in class.
http://infogr.am/
Google Apps "draw"
http://visual.ly/
Exampleshttp://www.swimmingly.com/relationships/proposals/heres-how-much-it-costs-to-propose-at-every-major-league-baseball-stadium/
11. Compiling Digital Citizen Magazine
Details to come!
Details to come!