Week 7
Objectives:
● Describe the evolution and current role of different media, like newspapers,
television, and new media
● Understand the function of product advertising in media
● Demonstrate awareness of the social homogenization and social fragmentation that
are occurring via modern society’s use of technology and media
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Textbook Readings
Chapter 8 Pgs. 163 ­ 179 Article Readings:
Being Human in a Digital World Bread and Circuses Is Modern Technology Creating a Culture of Distraction? 'Moment' is Having a Moment Videos:
How to Make a Splash in Social Media http://mistersplashypants.com/mister-splashy-pants.png
Article Analysis:
In your Sociological Perspectives Digital Notebook, write a reflection on your article readings. Your
reflection should address the following key points from your readings:
●
Define technology. ●
How does technology meet basic human needs, such as the need for connection, community, and meaning in our lives? What aspects of human nature is technology changing? ●
Explain the concept of "bread and circuses" as it applied in ancient Roman civilization and how it applies to our modern society. How does media exert control over people and can this control create complacency to distract the general populous from prevailing social inequity? ●
Explain the concept of Kairos. How does Kairos connect with popular culture and how does this impact the way that the media communicates information? After posting your own response in your Digital Notebook, read the entries from at least two
classmates' notebooks and provide feedback on their post. Feedback should be constructive, objective,
and intended to help you both understand each other more clearly rather than to delineate a clear
distinction between your ideas.
Video Reflection:
Create a google drive document (share it with your teacher) and write a reflection on the TedTalk
posted for this week. The response should address the following key points:
●
How does the surge in popularity of "Mister Splashy Pants" demonstrate how people can
impact the media?
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How does the aftermath of the "Mister Splashy Pants" popularity show how the media can
impact society?
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How can social media and technology change our lives for the better?