Media Literacy

Happy Friday, class. We're going virtual. So hold on to your hats.

Remember those great terms intertextuality and polysemy? Go ahead and pull out the Sandvoss reading ...

For intertextuality, consider page 23 to the top of page 24. Sandvoss states that the "text is constituted through a multiplicity of textual elements; it is by definition intertextual and formed between and across texts as defined by the point of production" (p. 23). Later he adds that "(i)ndividual texts ... are part of a wider web of textual occurrences and the meaning derived from them. These textual elements are read in the context of other texts" (p.23). We read all texts based on the context of the other texts we have consumed. We do this when we compare a new television show with one we have already seen, or comparing musical artists, or movies, or any medium.

For polysemy, consider pages 29-30. A key phrase comes at the end of the section: media texts are "polysemic to the degree that the endless multiplicity of meaning has collapsed into complete absence of intersubjective meaning" (p. 30). As we in the audience try to balance between the familiar and unfamiliar nature of the new texts, we are faced with this multiplicity; and yet we come to some sort of meaning: ours. It may not be everyone's but it is ours.

There are plenty of other "nuggets" in this "thick" article. I hope you take the time to reflect and consider some of them. We'll have a fuller discussion on Monday.

Your assignment.

What this episode of the television show Psych (go here if you want an explanation of the series). The show is rated TV-PG. The episode is embedded in this blog, but you can also find it on the Hulu.com page, if you think that would be faster. Remember, depending on your computer, there may be some jumps and stops and starts. In other words, be patient. Allow it to load. Bring a soothing cup of coffee or soda or water.

Also, bring a notebook. "Read" the episode. Jot down impressions. Look for signs of intertextuality. What kinds of assumptions are the writers making about their audience? Do you think the writers were successful? What kinds of things spoke to you? Why do you think those spoke to you? In the comment section related to this blog entry, write a one- or two-sentence immediate reaction to the episode and/or to the other student comments. It is important to do this, as this is how I will take roll for today's (Friday, September 5, 2008) class (so be sure and include your name to your post).

Refer back to your readings (both the Media Literacy chapter, as well as the essay by Sandvoss discussed above). Begin to make connections between your impressions and the information you gleaned from the readings (isn't that one of the skills of media literacy?).

When you've watched the show enough, write your analysis/findings in 1-2 pages. Remember, you should have already taken Composition 2 for this class, so grammar, spelling, and syntax count. Here's a novel idea, use the Pages computer program in the Mac lab! It'll be great fun.

Be prepared to discuss your writing on Monday. In the meantime, have fun.

Oral Communication

Good morning Oral Communicators and welcome to your virtual class for Friday, September 5, 2008. There are two things we're going to do today, one of which will be considered homework. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an e-mail at craigt@warner.edu. Since I am away from campus, I may not get back to you immediately, but be patient.

For the lecture section, I'd like to you to listen to this podcast episode for The Public Speaker.
Here is the mp3 file. If you'd like to read along, which I would suggest, the full text is here.

After you finish listening and processing the information, use the comment section for this blog to write a response to what you heard. Was it useful? How do you approach breathing? What are some of your concerns as you begin working on your first presentation. It is important to write in the comment section, because this is how I am taking roll for class. Also, when you write your comment, please include your name, so I'll know it's you.

That's the first part. Now the homework:

You are going to listen to a speech, the link to which you'll find below. After listening, I'd like you to identify the structure of the speech. Consider these questions: What was the statement of central idea of the speech? What were the main points? What devices did the speaker use to link the parts together? etc. Consult the reading assigned for Monday for help.

The speech is the 2006 keynote address at the 54th annual National Prayer Breakfast. The speaker is Bono, the lead singer of the band U2. Here is a link to an audio file of the speech. Here is a link to the full text of the speech. Feel free to use both.

As you pull the parts together, write up a 1-2 page report/analysis of your findings. Please, use proper English (you should have already taken Composition 2, so that shouldn't be a problem). Spelling and grammar count. Bring your analysis to class on Monday and be prepared to share your findings.

Other than that, have a great weekend. I'll miss you on Friday.

MrC.