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im here to learn so :)))))) by Zach BlasREFLECTIONS
You will be required to write and turn in a total of 10 reflections on the weeks readings. Please check the readings page and the schedule page for each weeks requirements. Each Thursday reflection due will be on the previous weeks readings. (Ex: relfection 1 will be on week 1 readings) ((I will give updates every week so this is clear)) Each reflection must be one to two pages, 12pt, double spaced and include: a short summary of the readings, a reflection of your thoughts and/or how you agree or disagree, how it relates to the class as a whole or our major themes, and 2 open ended questions you have. This is a 400 level seminar class, so it is expected that your reflections engage with the thesis and major points of each reading and provide evidence of your grasp on the material.
DISCUSSIONS
You will also be required to do 10 discussions on the weeks readings. These will happen on blackboard and will ask you to answer a prompt about a major theme or topic of this class related to the readings. These prompts will not ask you to reference the readings directly as the reflections do, but will ask you to use your knowledge from the readings to submit an informed, critical, and inquisitive answer. You will also need to respond to one of your classmates answers as well to promote dialog. Each response will need to be a paragraph long (2 paragraphs total per week - one of you answering the prompt and one of you responding to a classmate). Because this class will be entirely online and we wont have the ability to discuss the readings/topics together as a class, these discussions will act as a substitute for that. The discussion prompts will be related to the readings, so alhtough you dont have to reference the readings, you will need to have completed them to give a solid, informed answer.
Discussions will be posted on blackboard on the discussion page, as well as posted on this page as they come out.
Discussion 1:
In the ‘Media Literacy's Civic Problem’ reading by Paul Mihailidis the author points out 4 Norm of Media Literacy Practice that should be re-examined - one of them being the idea of 'critical distance'. What do you make of this argument? Do we always need critical distance and objective analysis when it comes to media studies? Or are there times when coming from the perspective of users embedding in the new media landscape can be useful in our analysis and practice? Elaborate.
Discussion 2:
In 'Capital is Dead' by Mckenzie Wark the author introduces the concept of the 'economy of information'. She poses the idea that in the post-broadcast world if your media is free, then we as users are the product. That we are encouraged to produce our own content while companies slowly gather our information to sell back to us. All the while new aspects of our lives are being commodified through this exchange. How does this idea affect your role as a user, critic, and creator of digital media? How is the economy of digital media embedded in broader social concerns of labor, capitalism, and control? And how does this play into ideas discussed last week about necessary updates to media theory & literacy?
(Don't forgot to respond to one of your classmates posts as well.)
Discussion 3:
In Understanding Social Media, the author goes through the history of what they call 'social medias' from web 1.0 and web 2.0.
Based on the examples given in the reading and what we have previously talking about in class — what aspects of these older technologies and platforms can we utilize and learn from when envisioning alternative digital platforms or changes to our current social media platforms? And is the binary between empowerment and exploitation inevitable? or is another social media possible? Elaborate using ideas from the reading.
(Don't forgot to respond to one of your classmates posts as well.)
Discussion 4:
In the various readings this week algorithms are brought up in the many forms they exist — including google searches, social media feeds, facial recognition software, etc. One of the ideas brought up about algorithms is that they are often seen as "neutral technologies" but their implementation can lead to and exacerbate existing bias, inequality, and separation. Based on your understanding from the readings, what changes can or should be made to algorithms and how can these changes be implemented?
Discussion 5:
In this weeks readings and class discussion - one of the major themes brought up was the distinction between AR for entertainment, for convenience, and for accessibility. In your opinion, which of these uses has been most successful so far and why. And how may this help us think about the future of AR use.
Discussion 6:
In 'woke gaming' - the authors lay out a plethora of different issues related to gaming culture - including issues of inequality, violence, and oppression. Based on the chapter you read, and your own media literacies, what is one way these issues have or could be addressed? In what ways could or are video games beneficial to society? And how do these issues related to the overall themes of this class?
Discussion 7:
This weeks readings address the use of memes and emojis in everyday, contemporary communication. One of the main unifying themes here is 'digital' or 'visual communication' and the profound changes its had on global communication. Based on the readings and your own insights from being engaged and embedded users, do you see these changes as mostly positive, negative, or neutral?(Think: The good, the bad, the useful) Are critiques of these visual communications unfounded? Are these changes unraveling civil or intellectual discourse? Or is the opposite true? Elaborate on your answers.
Discussion 8:
This weeks readings all - in one way or another - address the idea of difference and desire in digital media and digital communities. Including presentation, preservation, and appropriation of race, gender, class, etc. Based on the readings and your own insight, how does the Internet and/or these digital technologies expand or narrow our sense of self, our sense of community, and our sense of otherness and togetherness? Is the online or digital experience capable of effectively transcending physical space to allow for new communities, networks, care, and imagined selves? Are there inequalities that are continued or exacerbated by these experiences? Elaborate on your answers.
Discussion 9:
The reading by Adam Greenfield this week lays out 3 realms that ‘the internet of things’ exist in. Using information from the readings and your own critical thought: name these three realms, the function of each, and - in your opinion - which ones feel most useful or most in need of a reevaluation. Elaborate on your answer.
Discussion 10:
This weeks readings focus on the idea of theory to praxis: how we can take our knowledge and use it to educate and implement change. Using our class discussion and the readings as a base, What is an example of how 1. We can use the idea of digital decolonization to rethink how we look at and change technology. 2. Move forward with tech company accountability and data rights for citizens.
SYLLABUS ✧ SCHEDULE ✧ READINGS ✧ PROJECT 1 ✧ PROJECT 2 ✧ DISCUSSIONS & REFLECTIONS