Thomas Conner
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Current events, media, and music

12/14/2014

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Per our final class, I promised I'd post the Ferguson-etc.-related discussion materials here ...

The two explainers I sent out provide good basic background on the situation in Ferguson, Mo., and the case of Eric Garner in New York.

Here are the New York Times videos reporting from Ferguson after Michael Brown's shooting. As you watch, experience the videos as objects of communication — pay attention to the information being reported, of course, but also what information is highlighted, what is left out, what frames are being selected (both literal, in terms of camera positioning, and theoretical, in terms of Gitlin and Schudson), the music being used, etc.
Participation! Consider: No reporter is seen or speaks in the above video. Does that mean it is unbiased? What factors does Schudson outline that contribute to bias, and where might they be present here?

Participation! Toward the beginning, the man with the sign reading "Propaganda: It Won’t Be Televised — Pay Attention" — he looks at the reporter filming him and adds, "I know you seen it, tell the truth, tell the truth!" What truth, and why does he believe it is not getting out by other means? Relate his expression about propaganda to the readings that addressed earlier propaganda fears.
Participation!
— Pay attention to the discussion here about the original choice of Michael Brown photo used and picked up by the news media. What frames are at work there, and how? How does this relate to Schudson's explanation of selection?
— Think about the reporter's final comments. What photos of you or other information about you is out there on social media that could be similarly misconstrued?

Of course, I have to end things with some pop music ...

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The end: final progress grades

12/14/2014

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Despite the electronic management of the course thus far — with assignments delivered and returned via email — university policy forbids me from returning papers containing final course progress grades (project, participation, journals), unless students sign and return a form called a Buckley waiver. (I can only deliver progress grades, not final course grades.)

If you want your part 3 (revised or not) containing these final progress grades returned via email (to your ucsd.edu account only), please fill out and submit the form below.

Deadline: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17

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  • thomasconner
    • Bio
    • Professional: Resumé
    • Academic: CV
    • Teaching
    • Blog