Midterm Mania.

Q1: After studying media for eight weeks in this class, what have you learned?

A1: I have learned an entirely new/ different wat to critically analyze media. Thinking about media from numerous different aspects has allowed me to enjoy my media experiences on a new level. The persuasive techniques have enabled me to see how closely related and intertwined the are w/in all media. Their relationship to shifts and trend never ceases to amaze me.

Q2: What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself as a 1. A critical reader; 2. a writer, and 3. a critical thinker in this class so far?

A2: I have learned that I’ve had the skill set to make an effective critical analysis, but wasn’t using it to it’s full potential. Now whenever I consume media I am more mindful of not only what is being said but how and why it is being broadcast to me.


Q3: What's one thing YOU would do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?


A3: If I were to retake this class I would blog (on my blogger account) more often. I had a ton of media experiences I wish I documented while they were fresh in my mind. I also wish I kept up with my peers individual blog posts.

Q4: What's one thing you would like ME to do differently this first half of the semester if you were to take this class again?

A4: I have enjoyed every aspect of this class thus far. I feel it is a fair amount of work with a well balanced curriculum. The only thing I would have liked to do is use my class blog as my personal blog (ie Tumblr). Although, I must say, Blogger has grown on me.

Q5: Please comment on the usefulness of the course blog, your personal blog, our films and book as learning tools.

A5: Course Blog: I loved having the assignments and requirements up online, on a reliable site. This was my first experience with a course blog but I wish more professors would adapt the method; it allowed for a lot of un-facilitated P2P discussion.

Personal Blog: Each students personal blog allowed for in depth individual expression, something important in a class such as this. I was able to see my fellow students opinion and get to know them on a more persona/ intellectual level.

Web 2.0: Showed us a great example of pacing and how impactful silent (non-speech) media can be; basically how the limbic brain effects our overall perception.

The Persuaders: Allowed a lot of people in class to view advertisements critically. Enforced the "don't trust everything you see or hear" trend. Exemplified most, if not all, the persuasive techniques as well as trends and shifts.

Reel Bad Arabs: More serious and dark than most other films. Took us to a dark side of media we should all be aware of. Brought up controversial issues and allowed for intense class discussion.

Propaganda Model of News: Pointed out the bias that lies in most media. Started a discussion on how the bias of media isn't a problem unless we don't acknowledge its existence. Introduced us to the hierarchy of media and why it is important.

State of the Union: The one piece of media we used that wasn't directly commenting on media or the media producing industries. Allowed for real-life applications and in depth analysis of an important event from a critical mindset.

Tune in Tomorrow: Allowed us to see just how far radio has come and why it's still popular. Getting back to the roots of broadcasting news gave us a glimpse into VTs history.