Course Syllabus

So you know what you will be doing:

Term 1: What is the impact of Media Messages?

Media Awareness: This term will be spent looking at what media is, how it effects us in our daily lives, and how it shapes society. Through the practices of numerous exercises, films and readings we will learn the media language to the point where we can manipulate it and make it our own.

Movies: “Fear and Favor in the Newsroom”; Michael Moore’s TV Nation; Ted Talks

Readings: Marshall McLuhan, Adbusters, Noam Chompsky

Concepts: Audience, Medium/Message, Artist/creation/viewer relationship

End of Term Expectation:

1. Understanding and awareness of media’s influences

2. Power Point Presentation

i. your media message,
ii. the cause you plan to support and
iii. why you chose that cause

Term 2: How is the media message made?

Research and Design (R&D): This 2^nd term will be looking at ways to deliver media messages and what medium is the best to do it with.

Movies: Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds”; Michael Moore’s TV Nation; Ted Talks

Readings: Naomi Klein, Adbusters, (computer programs)

Concepts: Archetypes/stereotypes, Point of View (POV), message/communication, logo, branding

End of Term Expectation:

1. List of three Designs (possibilities)

2. Have chosen one design and justified your decision

3. Gathered all the required material and/or permissions for a successful completion of your Integrated Project.

Term 3: How is the media message delivered?

Creation: The 3^rd term is dedicated to the production of the integrated project. We will continue to look media issues focusing on delivery and responsibility.

Movies: “The Truman Show”; Michael Moore’s TV Nation; Ted Talks

Readings: Adbusters, Noam Chompsky, (computer programs)

Concepts: Artist/creation/creator relationship, medium, rule of 3rds

End of Term Expectation:

1. a successful completion of your Integrated Project.

2. a record of the steps taken to complete your project.

Term 4: What makes a media message successful?

Creation: The 4^th term concentrates on finishing and presenting your Integrated Project. The final steps will evaluate and reflecting on your project’s success.

Movies: “The Killing Fields”; Michael Moore’s TV Nation; Ted Talks

Readings: Adbusters, Noam Chompsky, (computer programs)

Concepts: markets, audience, Artist/creation/creator relationship, responsibility, critical thinking

End of Term Expectation:

1. Reflection on the processes taken to create your Integrated Project (written essay).