COM242: Mass Media Effects

Mediate: Join if you want more…

theory — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 01:28:22 +0000

See http://groups.google.com/group/mediate

COM242 grades on UBlearns

theory — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 08:57:46 +0000

Alright folks! Your grades for COM242 are now on UBlearns. The only things unaccounted for in your final grade is your final exam (30%), as well as your class participation (10%), which incorporates attendance and in-class activities.

Responding to “The Agency”

theory — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 03:18:27 +0000

By the time you read this, you would have realized that we’re watching the premier episode of “The Agency” in class. Here’s the plug for this new reality TV series:

Infiltrating the modeling industry like no other television series has, “The Agency” takes a stark look at the men and women who search for, mold, scold and comfort raw, young beauties — all in an effort to groom the world’s most marketable people. The series is not just about glamour. It’s about the harsh realities of a business in which millions of dollars are at stake daily, and the competition for landing high-end models and campaigns can lead to both euphoric victories and bitter defeats.

Taking a rare look at client meetings, casting calls, and backstage at fashion shows, “The Agency” casts an unblinking eye on the super-high-stress jobs of the people who are completely hooked on the business of brokering beauty. It explores the complex, up-and-down relationships between the agents and their models–who are sometimes naïve, insecure, vulnerable women and men who must be parented and then delivered on time and looking fabulous to demanding clients.

Imagine that MITA (Ministry of Information and the Arts) has assigned you to determine the possible media effects of this show on our Singaporean youths. Using what you’ve learned in the past chapters, drop a professional response in the comments. Just as our ministers have no time for rhetorical reports, keep it short and sharp by pushing a primary theoretical concept which best represents the show.

“Media that stirs emotions” now available

theory — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 05:31:32 +0000

Week 10 // Chapter 7 / Media that stirs emotions (19th Mar 2007)

COM242 Presentation by Jose Kasijo, Ang Wei Yang, Jane Killick, Melvin Fernandez, Shelwyn Neo, Sarah Lopez (PDF, 350kb)

“Effects of Media Violence” now available

theory — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 13:36:22 +0000

This week, we’ll be seeing two in-class presentations to get back on track with our class schedule:

Monday’s presentation on the “Effects of Media Violence” (Chapter 5) is now available and will be conducted by Renhao, Graham Choo, Hai Lee, Kenny Yeo, Roshni, and Hans. You may download the Powerpoint here (900kb).

Wednesday’s presentation on “Sexual Content in the Media” (Chapter 6) is now available. This will be conducted by Maria Paul, Li Rong, Mariani, Sangheetha, Andries, Graceilla, and Maria Monica. You may download the PDF here (as a 500kb six-panel handout)

Note the following for your class presentations:

Make sure to submit your presentation at least one day ahead of your presentation day.
I will be vetting the presentation beforehand and giving my initial review if it’s sent early enough.
Late submissions are now inexcusable as I’ve already deferred the responsibility of printing handouts to your peers.

Good luck!

COM242 Mid-Term Exam Review

theory — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 08:36:24 +0000

The COM242 Mid-Term Exam format is as follows:

12 x True / False Questions
9 x Multiple-Choice Questions
9 x Matching Terms Questions

This exam is worth 20% of your final grade. Everything from the textbook chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 12 will be tested, including class discussions. Bring your textbook and handouts to class, as well as your questions.

Updated Schedule for Presentation Groups

theory — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 20:27:46 +0000

Since we had that library week before CNY, presentations will now be packed together until we get back on schedule. Note your group’s time as follows:

Feb 26th: Shamala Devi’s group (Marshall McLuhan)
Feb 28th: Carol Liu’s group (Uses and Gratification)
Mar 5th: COM242 Exam Review
Mar 12th: Renhao’s group (Effects of Media Violence)
Mar 14th: Maria Paul’s group (Sexual Content in the Media)

From here on we would be back on track with the class calendar…
The class calendar has been updated to reflect these changes.

I’ll expect to see your Powerpoint slides at least a day before you present, so I can put them online for your classmates to download and print.

Finally, do come to class early… lateness has been a real problem and action will be taken if this habit persists.

Monday // 1130hrs // LT4.13

theory — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:24:35 +0000

Your orders are to fall in at the SIM Lecture Theater 4.13 on Monday at 1130hrs sharp. Since this is a special urban operation, you are advised to put on civilian attire so as not to draw unnecessary attention. Also, since move-out time is directly after briefing, you are advised to have your meal ahead of time. Besides the 60 of you, the selected company attachment will include:

Mission Officers
SIM/UB Program Director: Kevin McKelvey (Commanding Officer)
Social Media Instructor: Kevin Lim (Officer-in-Charge)
Written Comm Instructor: Elaine Ng (Welfare / Discipline Officer)
World Civilization Instructor: Jill Peters (Special Advisor Officer)

Mission Observers
Marketing Lecturer: Neil Holdbert (Senior Officer / VIP)
Administrator: Lena Chia (Administrative Officer)

Librarian Contacts
Ms. Wun Han, Ivy and Sharon

Mission Timeline
1140hrs: Mission briefing. Section designation of 15 trainees per officer
1155hrs: Move out to chartered transportation (2x coaches)
1205hrs: Immediate transport movement to LZ
1235hrs: LZ touchdown at National Library. Individual section movement to RV
1245hrs: Link-Up with Librarian contacts at Library Lobby
1300hrs: Welcome & Introduction to National Library
1310hrs: Overview of Mass Media Collection @ L7 + Demo of OPAC & Databases
1350hrs: Questions & Answers
1400hrs: Tour of Level 7, 11 & 16 (Observatory Pod)
1425hrs: Library Feedback Form + Closing Ceremony

Actual Mission Duration: 1h 30min

Mission Objective
To get a good start on your COM242 Final Research Project (PDF file). Do take notes and share with classmates who couldn’t make it for the library outing.

Bonus Objective
Intelligence confirms that the National Library Board (NLB) has a book blog called “High Browse Online“. If you are writing about particular books for the COM242 final research project, you are also encouraged submit your work to the library’s blog. Not only would you get a grade, but gain exposure for yourself (and your blog) as well. You may even win a prize sponsored by the library too!

Final Remarks
On a voluntary level, you are requested to blog what you’ve learnt from this library outing, then leave a comment here with a permalink back to your blog post. This will benefit fellow classmates who are unable to join in due to class scheduling conflict. For more on the National Library, check out the Rambling Librarian’s blog…

So You Still Trust Mass Media?

theory — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 19:16:24 +0000

Save Boston:

Manufactured Consent:

Wired News Writer Faked Info (Intentional)
Dan Rather: Killian Documents (Unintentional)

Week 4: Brief History of Media Effects

theory — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:44:21 +0000

Your fourth week’s mission is now available:

Having attended the first panel presentation, perused the handouts and read Chapter 3 of our Media Effects textbook, argue whether a social phenomena similar to the “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast could happen today. Take into account our present media environment (e.g. Internet) and contrast it with events back in 1938. Post this as a comment, while referring to the textbook, readings and/or personal experience.

Deadline: 6th Feb, Tuesday, 10pm

Besides the textbook and the handouts, here are some related materials:

Artist Biographies: Frederic Wertham, M.D. (Research on Comic Books)
Hypodermic Needle Theory
Motion Pictures and the Social Attitudes of Children:
A Payne Fund Study (1933)
Radio’s War of the Worlds Broadcast (1938)
Why We Fight: Frank Capra’s Film Series
Possibly more…