Comm 240 Exam 1 Questions And
Answers Latest Update
Theory: what is it, how do we understand it, what purpose does it serve?
ANS✔✔ Theory is a process forcing readers to look at the world from a new
perspective. We understand it through contexts (who theorists are, where they
are coming from). Apply it to contemporary phenomenon, join in the debate,
be more thoughtful about the world around you and your position in it.
Normative theory ANS✔✔ Helps explain the world
Critical theory ANS✔✔ critical of how things are, especially in media studies
because media studies assumes that media upholds inequalities
Types of theories for studying media (proposed by McDougall) ANS✔✔ 1.
The 'powerful media' discourse: influence and effects that media have in our
lives - knowing how it works is important.
2. The economic discourse: media studies exists to equip its students with
creative skills that an help them in the job market after graduating.
3. The 'media literacy' discourse: media students are better equipped if they
have analytical skills to critically interpret media texts, people are better able to
resist the power of the media if they are media literate.
How has Facebook changed how we think about and structure of the world?
(From "The Culture of Connectivity") ANS✔✔ Takes what used to be
informal social activities in the private sphere (friends hanging out and
exchanging ideas), they have become algorithmically mediated interactions in
, the corporate sphere. Our entire society, down to the economic and judicial
systems in the world.
Public opinion ANS✔✔ The desires, wants, and thinking of the majority of
the people - or the collective opinion of the people of a society of state on an
issue.
Propaganda ANS✔✔ Started in WW1 with the Creel Commission. In its
truest form, shouldn't have the negative connotation that Nazi's gave it.
Expression of opinion deliberately assigned to influence opinions/actions of
other individuals/groups with reference to predetermined ends.
Public relations ANS✔✔ Media producers could shape public opinions to
make certain ideas desirable and modern media facilitates the process through
mass dissemination. Development of professional field in conjunction with
academic inquiry. Edward Bernays.
The "mass" and mass media ANS✔✔ The "mass" is a homogenous socially
undifferentiated group. Mass media is the name for propagation of symbols via
radio, film and press to spatially scattered audiences.
Walter Lippmann and John Dewey ANS✔✔ To Lippmann, the journalist
fulfills the role of mediator between the general public and policy making
elites. He believed the public could not assess complex facts and needs an
intermediary to filter news.
Dewey believed that the public was capable of understanding issues/responded
to by the elite and that it was in the public forum that decisions should be
made after discussion and debate.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Schoolflix. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $14.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.