How good do you think you are at being able to critically analyze media messages? Why?

Two sources per question for a total of 6 sources. These are three different assignments; give each one its own reference page, then go to next question.

Week 1 Activity:

For this week’s activity, use the Internet to find an example of social scientific findings regarding media and aggressive behavior. Post a link to an article/website that describes the finding. Provide a brief synopsis of the finding and answer the following questions:

• What method was used to determine the findings? (e.g., experiment, survey,interviews, etc.)

• Do you agree with the findings? Why or why not?

• Which of the four mass communication eras could be used to help explain these findings? Explain why.

• How else might this specific example be studied and how could the results change by changing the method?

Posts can include written responses, videos, or audio recordings but should be critical and insightful and posted by Wednesday (midnight) each week.

Discussion 1;

We make some strong claims about the power of the new communication technologies to reshape not only the media industries but also the world that relies on them. It is impossible to pick up a contemporary newspaper or magazine without seeing the same theme echoed. Are people making too much of the Internet and the World Wide Web? Are these technologies destined to become just “more TV” or another way to see ads and do your shopping? What impact do you see digital technologies having on the ways our society and culture are shaped?

Posts can include written responses, videos, or audio recordings but should becritical and insightful and posted by Wednesday (midnight) each week.

Discussion 2;

How good do you think you are at being able to critically analyze media messages? Why? Can you think of a time where you took a media message at facevalue without questioning it? Why do you think that was? How often do youengage in viewpoints in the media that are the opposite of your own? What mightbe the benefit of doing so? What other ways can you engage in the media that canhelp provide you with different perspectives and world views?

Posts can include written responses, videos, or audio recordings but should becritical and insightful and posted by Wednesday (midnight) each week.

You must respond to at least two other classmates by Saturday (midnight) eachweek. Responses should be thoughtful and insightful and not merely say “Iagree.” Critically analyze your peers’ responses for logical thought andargument. Engage in discussion and debate.