Assignment # 4: Critical Response to "Defining New Media Isn't Easy"

Write a critical response to the article from the New Media Institute. Use the following format as a guide: Paragraph One: Title of text, author and brief summary. Paragraph Two: Context, tone, structure and validity of claims. This section must be supported by evidence in the form of quotes and examples from the text. Paragraph Three: Comment on the overall efficacy -- did the author achieve his/her purpose and what methods of persuasion were used (ethos, logos, pathos). Remember, this is a critical analysis. Use formal language and be objective.

Assignment 3: McLuhan revisited

1. "We become what we behold." What does this mean? 2. What are some of the effects of advertising on consumers that you have noticed in your home country? Here in the US? What is the impact on ideologies/perception? What is the message of the advertisement as a medium? 3. "The final movement is the reversal of the benefit"..."negative amputations of previous technologies" -- relate this to the climate change movement that just rallied over the weekend in New York City. 4. Think about the "Four Questions Applied to Media" and provide an example (other than the car and the phone!).

Assignment 2: Extension

Marshall McLuhan asserts that all media is an "extension of man" in the same way that the wheel is an extension of the foot, the book is an extension of the eye, and clothing is an extension of the skin. What exactly does this mean? Get philosophical.

Assignment # 1: Thinking about Media Literacy

"For centuries, literacy has referred to the ability to read and write. Today, we get most of our information through an interwoven system of media technologies. The ability to read many types of media has become an essential skill in the 21st Century. Media literacy is the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media. Media literate youth and adults are better able to understand the complex messages we receive from television, radio, Internet, newspapers, magazines, books, billboards, video games, music, and all other forms of media. Media literacy skills are included in the educational standards of every state—in language arts, social studies, health, science, and other subjects. Many educators have discovered that media literacy is an effective and engaging way to apply critical thinking skills to a wide range of issues." (http://medialiteracyproject.org/learn/media-literacy) Why do you think this is?

Welcome to IB English A: Language & Literature!

Many of your homework assignments for this course will be blog posts. There are many benefits to this format: 1. Visibility -- Everyone gets to see how capable and brilliant you are (not just me!) 2. Discourse -- Often, I will ask you to respond to what other students have posted. Exchanging ideas will challenge/solidify your thoughts on a subject and will prepare you for further classroom discussion. 3. Environmental Consciousness -- less paper = less waste = happy Earth