1) Prep for and take final essay exam
While understanding Postman's overall thesis is important, final essay exam questions will be drawn from chapters 9-11. There may be a bit of niche theory thrown in as well. You can bring your Niche Theory Glossary with you, but not your Postman book. Just bring a pen and your Niche Theory Glossary you turned in. If you haven't RSVP'd for one of the three exam time (seen below) please do so immediately. The exam will take about 45 minutes.
NOTE: A couple of you have asked if you can bring your computer to take your final on -- and then email me the Word file. The answer is YES!
2) Continue writing and posting your final project
I have heard from and given feedback to about half of you. If you're not in that group then you should get started and get some feedback from me right away on a couple of them. FINAL PROJECT DEADLINE: Email me your blog URL by Midnight June 21.
3) 10 pts Extra Credit for doing teacher evaluations
Complete class/teacher evaluations via Route Y and get 10 pts extra credit. Hooray!
4) Missing Assignments?
Get caught up on any missing assignments you may have. Finish and email them to me.
Dr. Randle
http://comms495r.blogspot.com/
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
Thurs 8 p.m.
Brooke Harris
Catherin Parker
Emma Brazier
Friday 7 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m.
Anna
Monday, June 11, 2007
Monday, June 4, 2007
No. 10: Electronic Paper
This is just an example in form, not specific content (cause a few of you might even want to use this one). But here you would tell me what E-paper is, a little bit about how it was developed, and what it does. Writing should be in your own words and not just copied and pasted from Wikipedia. You then would move on to tell about what implications that this technology, device or service will have on society in general or on your specific industry. (Thus, some of these can be general and some can be very specific to your industry.) You might then go on to comment on how your reading of Technopoly informs or doesn’t inform your opinion of this. In lieu of that you could also talk about the implications of niche theory? How would this compete with real paper within the framework of niche theory. Finally, give advice to your imaginary employer about this technology, if applicable. All in 150 words. Be sure and credit any photos you use like this: (Photo courtesy E-paper Corp.)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Week 7 - June 11th
Review Postman Chapters 8-11 in prep for final essay exam.
Review and think about niche theory in prep for essay exam.
Friday, June 15th, 8 p.m.
Essay Exam in I-House location TBD. This will be an essay exam with several questions covering chapters 8-11 conceptually, as well as a conceptual/applied niche theory question. It will take about an hour. You just bring yourself and a pen. I'll provide the rest.
Midnight, June 21
Final Project
"Top 10 New Media, Technologies and Services that will Change the __________________ Industy" (the _________ being your choice of media industry: journalism, broadcast, advertising, PR, communications).
Final Project: What To Do
Okay. We're all sick of Postman's whining! It's time to blow him off and collect, expound and espouse what you think are the Top 10 "things" that are going to be "The Next Big Thing." You are going to do a blog with 10 blog entries comprising these "things."
Over the next two weeks, collect URLs, links to photos, etc., of what you think are the things and services that are going to "change everything" in terms of new media and society.
--Set up your blog at www.blogger.com
--Each of the 10 entries should be at least 150 words. Thus, you want to do this over a week or so's period of time. Don't put this off and do it "all at once."
--Each should have a photo or logo with it
-- Sure you can do YouTube as one of them, but if they are all generic and things we've all heard and know about, then that will hurt your grade
-- Not necessary on all of them, but can you work a some references to Postman or Niche Thoery into your commentary? (In other words, apply the readings to the real worl.)
-- Good grammar, no typos.
--In your commentary tell us why "the thing" is so important and if it will be good or bad.
-- You'll email me your blog's URL by the due date/time.
Also, if you want. Do one or two in the next week and email me the link and I'll let you know if you're on the right track.
Note:Need help gettting started with your blog, collecting URLs, or doing photo links? There are lots of help tutorials on the Blogger site, or contact me ASAP and we'll set up a quick coaching session. It's really easy to do.
Review and think about niche theory in prep for essay exam.
Friday, June 15th, 8 p.m.
Essay Exam in I-House location TBD. This will be an essay exam with several questions covering chapters 8-11 conceptually, as well as a conceptual/applied niche theory question. It will take about an hour. You just bring yourself and a pen. I'll provide the rest.
Midnight, June 21
Final Project
"Top 10 New Media, Technologies and Services that will Change the __________________ Industy" (the _________ being your choice of media industry: journalism, broadcast, advertising, PR, communications).
Final Project: What To Do
Okay. We're all sick of Postman's whining! It's time to blow him off and collect, expound and espouse what you think are the Top 10 "things" that are going to be "The Next Big Thing." You are going to do a blog with 10 blog entries comprising these "things."
Over the next two weeks, collect URLs, links to photos, etc., of what you think are the things and services that are going to "change everything" in terms of new media and society.
--Set up your blog at www.blogger.com
--Each of the 10 entries should be at least 150 words. Thus, you want to do this over a week or so's period of time. Don't put this off and do it "all at once."
--Each should have a photo or logo with it
-- Sure you can do YouTube as one of them, but if they are all generic and things we've all heard and know about, then that will hurt your grade
-- Not necessary on all of them, but can you work a some references to Postman or Niche Thoery into your commentary? (In other words, apply the readings to the real worl.)
-- Good grammar, no typos.
--In your commentary tell us why "the thing" is so important and if it will be good or bad.
-- You'll email me your blog's URL by the due date/time.
Also, if you want. Do one or two in the next week and email me the link and I'll let you know if you're on the right track.
Note:Need help gettting started with your blog, collecting URLs, or doing photo links? There are lots of help tutorials on the Blogger site, or contact me ASAP and we'll set up a quick coaching session. It's really easy to do.
Week 6 - June 4th
1) Postman Chapters 10-11 (in prep for final essay exam)
2) Think more deeply about Niche Theory and how you might apply it to a broad or specific situation (other than print magazines/newspapers and the web) in prep for final essay exam. If you're a bit confused call me and we'll set up a time to talk.
3) Start making entries for your Final Project (see Week 7 info).
2) Think more deeply about Niche Theory and how you might apply it to a broad or specific situation (other than print magazines/newspapers and the web) in prep for final essay exam. If you're a bit confused call me and we'll set up a time to talk.
3) Start making entries for your Final Project (see Week 7 info).
Week 5 - May 28th
1) Postman Chapters 8-9 (in prep for final essay exam; see Week 7)
2) Think about Niche Theory and how you might apply it to a broad or specific situation (other than print magazines/newspapers and the web) in prep for final essay exam.
3) Read the Final Project info and start searching, prepping, thinking, collecting links, links to photos, etc.
2) Think about Niche Theory and how you might apply it to a broad or specific situation (other than print magazines/newspapers and the web) in prep for final essay exam.
3) Read the Final Project info and start searching, prepping, thinking, collecting links, links to photos, etc.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Week 4
Week 4 Reading
Postman Chapters 6-7
PDF Niche Theory Reading
Niche Theory Reading
The purpose of the niche theory reading is not to give you more busy work. It's to provide a framework for some analysis may be doing in coming weeks (maybe even your final paper) or exam. So take the reading and associated assignment seriously . Why is it from Dr. Randle's dissertation? Because I looked for a while and this is a condensed overview, thus you have to do less reading. Please note that I found this draft, so there may be some typos of it. It was close to the final draft. Also, note that I cut some things out so there may be a place or two it seems like it jumps without a smooth transition. I have emailed this reading out and posted it on Blackboard.
Niche Theory Assignment
With the Niche reading, make a 1-page (single spaced) Glossary of Terms as sort of an outline of your reading. The focus should be on Niche Theory. This should be something that looks good, reads good, and something you can refer to as a cheat sheet for upcoming assignments. MS Word turn in via Blackboard Turn-it in assignment. (20 pts)
Due to the internet situation, there are no other assignments this week.
Dr. Randle
Postman Chapters 6-7
PDF Niche Theory Reading
Niche Theory Reading
The purpose of the niche theory reading is not to give you more busy work. It's to provide a framework for some analysis may be doing in coming weeks (maybe even your final paper) or exam. So take the reading and associated assignment seriously . Why is it from Dr. Randle's dissertation? Because I looked for a while and this is a condensed overview, thus you have to do less reading. Please note that I found this draft, so there may be some typos of it. It was close to the final draft. Also, note that I cut some things out so there may be a place or two it seems like it jumps without a smooth transition. I have emailed this reading out and posted it on Blackboard.
Niche Theory Assignment
With the Niche reading, make a 1-page (single spaced) Glossary of Terms as sort of an outline of your reading. The focus should be on Niche Theory. This should be something that looks good, reads good, and something you can refer to as a cheat sheet for upcoming assignments. MS Word turn in via Blackboard Turn-it in assignment. (20 pts)
Due to the internet situation, there are no other assignments this week.
Dr. Randle
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Week 3
Week 3, Question 1
The information glut discussed in chapter 4 has a lot to do with journalism, PR and advertising. How do you agree or disagree with Postman? (Give specific examples from your area.)(250 words, 10 pts.)(Just create a new thread with your name.)(Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 3, Q1)
Week 3 Discussion Interaction
In the latter part of Chapter 4, Postman identifies four stages, all having to do with communication: Press, Telephony, Photography, Broadcasting.
What are the 5th and 6th stages? (5th now, 6th future.) What are their characteristics? Good and bad. Instructions: Your first post (NEW THREAD) should be 150 words that pronounce what YOU feel the 5th and 6th stages are and will be. Be specific, give them a title. You should then do 3 additional posts ON OTHER'S THREADS reacting to what they think Stages 5 and 6 are. Do you agree disagree, why, why not? (150 words, first post. Additional posts, 100 words each on two different days.) (20 pts.)(Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 3, Discussion Interaction)
Week 2 Essay Question
In chapters 4 and 5 Postman basically argues that the control and reasonable flow of information provides intelligibility, context and social order. But today, there is a glut of information (and this book was written 15 years ago). Question: How was information controlled in the past and how does Technopoly seek to control it, and thus provide meaning and order?
500-word essay; cite Postman as well as your own opinion and examples. Back up your arguments, etc.
(500 Words, 50 pts. Where: Turn it in via Blackboard, under course materials, Week 3 Essay - Turn it In, Click View/Complete. You'll see the Turnitin icon.)
The information glut discussed in chapter 4 has a lot to do with journalism, PR and advertising. How do you agree or disagree with Postman? (Give specific examples from your area.)(250 words, 10 pts.)(Just create a new thread with your name.)(Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 3, Q1)
Week 3 Discussion Interaction
In the latter part of Chapter 4, Postman identifies four stages, all having to do with communication: Press, Telephony, Photography, Broadcasting.
What are the 5th and 6th stages? (5th now, 6th future.) What are their characteristics? Good and bad. Instructions: Your first post (NEW THREAD) should be 150 words that pronounce what YOU feel the 5th and 6th stages are and will be. Be specific, give them a title. You should then do 3 additional posts ON OTHER'S THREADS reacting to what they think Stages 5 and 6 are. Do you agree disagree, why, why not? (150 words, first post. Additional posts, 100 words each on two different days.) (20 pts.)(Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 3, Discussion Interaction)
Week 2 Essay Question
In chapters 4 and 5 Postman basically argues that the control and reasonable flow of information provides intelligibility, context and social order. But today, there is a glut of information (and this book was written 15 years ago). Question: How was information controlled in the past and how does Technopoly seek to control it, and thus provide meaning and order?
500-word essay; cite Postman as well as your own opinion and examples. Back up your arguments, etc.
(500 Words, 50 pts. Where: Turn it in via Blackboard, under course materials, Week 3 Essay - Turn it In, Click View/Complete. You'll see the Turnitin icon.)
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Week 2
Week 2, Question 1
You're living in this busy city that depends so much on machines and technology; you spend a lot time on the subway, you see much diversity and a variety of world views. Having read Chapters 1-3, what are some things Postman has made you think about that you didn't think about prior to the reading. I'm looking for deeper thoughts, reflections and synthesis than just "look at all the iPods/headphones; no one is talking to each other." (200 words; 10 pts.) (Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 2, Q1)
Week 2, Discussion Interaction
Okay. So now we want to get some interesting interactions going, etc. Think of this as a vibrant class discussion. (100 words x 4 different posts on 3 different days) (20 pts.) (Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 2, Interaction)
Question: What are some of the UNINTENDED effects of Google Search, Google News, Google Ads or Google Business Tools? Are they positive or negative effects? Please note that I'm looking for a discussion of unintended or unexpected effects, not just obvious effects. Do you agree or disagree with your classmates? How so? I'll start jumping in here a well.
Week 2 Matrix
In the MS Word matrix I've provide in Blackboard (or a similar one of your own make), compare and contrast characteristics of Postman's 1) Tool-using culture, 2) Technocracy, 3) Technoplogy along the following dimensions. Use notes and incomplete sentences to compress information. Keep to one page.
-God/Morality
-Science
-Business
-Family/People
-Media/Communication
(1 page, 50 pts. Where: I've emailed out the matrix; it is also available in course materials. Turn it in via Blackboard, under course materials, Week 2 Matrix - Turn it In, Click View/Complete. You'll see the Turnitin icon.)
DEADLINE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE IS MONDAY 5 p.m. But note the special instructions on the Discussion Interaction. That needs to be spread throughout the week.
You're living in this busy city that depends so much on machines and technology; you spend a lot time on the subway, you see much diversity and a variety of world views. Having read Chapters 1-3, what are some things Postman has made you think about that you didn't think about prior to the reading. I'm looking for deeper thoughts, reflections and synthesis than just "look at all the iPods/headphones; no one is talking to each other." (200 words; 10 pts.) (Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 2, Q1)
Week 2, Discussion Interaction
Okay. So now we want to get some interesting interactions going, etc. Think of this as a vibrant class discussion. (100 words x 4 different posts on 3 different days) (20 pts.) (Where: Blackboard/Communication/Discussion Board: Week 2, Interaction)
Question: What are some of the UNINTENDED effects of Google Search, Google News, Google Ads or Google Business Tools? Are they positive or negative effects? Please note that I'm looking for a discussion of unintended or unexpected effects, not just obvious effects. Do you agree or disagree with your classmates? How so? I'll start jumping in here a well.
Week 2 Matrix
In the MS Word matrix I've provide in Blackboard (or a similar one of your own make), compare and contrast characteristics of Postman's 1) Tool-using culture, 2) Technocracy, 3) Technoplogy along the following dimensions. Use notes and incomplete sentences to compress information. Keep to one page.
-God/Morality
-Science
-Business
-Family/People
-Media/Communication
(1 page, 50 pts. Where: I've emailed out the matrix; it is also available in course materials. Turn it in via Blackboard, under course materials, Week 2 Matrix - Turn it In, Click View/Complete. You'll see the Turnitin icon.)
DEADLINE FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE IS MONDAY 5 p.m. But note the special instructions on the Discussion Interaction. That needs to be spread throughout the week.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Week 1 - Chapter 1
Deadline:
Monday, May 7, 5 p.m.
1) Read chapter 1 of Technopoly ASAP.
2) Post a minium of two comments (200 words each) responding to the Blackboard discussion questions and/or other comments from other discussants. (At least one per thread.) (10 pts. each)
3) Find a MAGAZINE or NEWSPAPER article ONLINE (not "Bill & Ted's Excellent Web Site) that demonstrates or discusses the fact that new media and technology is changing politics, religion or social relationships (choose one). Please read the article, write an abstract and then post a link and the abstract in this thread (on the Blackboard discussion board. I started a thread for that as well.) (5 pts.)
Note that for discussions I will be using a rubric similar to this one to grade your comments.
Good luck. And again, any question please post them here or email me. (If you don't have the book yet, you might try the bookstore at Columbia.)
Dr. Randle
Monday, May 7, 5 p.m.
1) Read chapter 1 of Technopoly ASAP.
2) Post a minium of two comments (200 words each) responding to the Blackboard discussion questions and/or other comments from other discussants. (At least one per thread.) (10 pts. each)
3) Find a MAGAZINE or NEWSPAPER article ONLINE (not "Bill & Ted's Excellent Web Site) that demonstrates or discusses the fact that new media and technology is changing politics, religion or social relationships (choose one). Please read the article, write an abstract and then post a link and the abstract in this thread (on the Blackboard discussion board. I started a thread for that as well.) (5 pts.)
Note that for discussions I will be using a rubric similar to this one to grade your comments.
Good luck. And again, any question please post them here or email me. (If you don't have the book yet, you might try the bookstore at Columbia.)
Dr. Randle
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sylabus
"New Media, Comms & Society"
Comms 395R (NY Spring Term Elective)
Overview
Scanning the environment and applying theory to practical events and trneds, you will become a knowledge expert in new media AND your particular area of of emphasis (journalism, PR, advertising, etc.).
Outcomes
1) Students will be able to think critically about the relationship between mass media and society
2) Students will be able to apply relevant theory to communication practice
3) Students will be able to articulate the positive and negative effects of mass media practices on society
4) Students will be literate in the language of the media industries
Assignments
• Textbook readings
• Additional popular press readings
• Virtual class meetings
• Message board discussions
• Reaction papers
• Blog project
• Final issue/theory paper
Textbook
The textbook is "Technopoly" By Neil Postman. You need to purcahse it immediately if you haven't already.
Here is a link to the book. There are tons of used copies available.
If you have any questions, please leave them as a comment here. Click on "Comments" below.
Dr. Randle
quint_randle@byu.edu
Comms 395R (NY Spring Term Elective)
Overview
Scanning the environment and applying theory to practical events and trneds, you will become a knowledge expert in new media AND your particular area of of emphasis (journalism, PR, advertising, etc.).
Outcomes
1) Students will be able to think critically about the relationship between mass media and society
2) Students will be able to apply relevant theory to communication practice
3) Students will be able to articulate the positive and negative effects of mass media practices on society
4) Students will be literate in the language of the media industries
Assignments
• Textbook readings
• Additional popular press readings
• Virtual class meetings
• Message board discussions
• Reaction papers
• Blog project
• Final issue/theory paper
Textbook
The textbook is "Technopoly" By Neil Postman. You need to purcahse it immediately if you haven't already.
Here is a link to the book. There are tons of used copies available.
If you have any questions, please leave them as a comment here. Click on "Comments" below.
Dr. Randle
quint_randle@byu.edu
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