Activist Media Project - Final

FINAL Activist Media Product (300 pts): For this project, you will produce an activist media artifact that takes a stance on a pressing social/political/cultural issue pertaining to contemporary media studies. This project must show your unique opinion on this issue, which involves taking a stance. Your opinion does not have to be formed when you begin research for this project, but must be formed and reflected in the final product. You may choose the medium that best suits your creative impulses, skills and vision for your project. Time-based media (videos, sound files, etc.) should be no less than 1 minute and no more than 6 minutes. Grading will occur on the following basis: 1.) CITED 250-word artist statement; 2.) Clarity of argument; 3.) Incorporation of at least three (3) concepts from class (which should be clear from either the media piece and/or the artist statement); 4.) Aesthetic/Creative decision-making (reflecting competence with media tools, clear artistic vision and originality/risk-taking); 5.) Quality of citations within artist statement; and 6.) Quality of 5-minute presentation.

See the rubric here.

Media Analysis Paper

Media Analysis (100 pts): For this project, you will explore, in depth, the media coverage and treatment of your proposed topic. Please find at least two examples of news media coverage (blog, article, newscast, etc.) and at least two examples of social media commentary (tweet, FB post, article or blog comment), ideally expressing differing views or opinions; one of your four examples may also be a piece of entertainment media (TV show, sketch, web short, commercial, movie, music video, etc.), if your topic has been covered by it. Prepare a 1000-1200 word analysis on: 1.) the background and context of the media artifacts (where it appeared, what the “rules” of this particular media platform are, how these “rules” have shaped a particular media culture); 2.) summary of each media artifact’s argument/perspective; 3.) how the different rules and cultures of each media platform have contributed to the way your topic was treated on these different platforms; and 4.) what your personal view is in response to the arguments/perspectives put forth by the media artifacts you analyzed.

Check back soon for the link to the rubric!

Update for Final Projects: Possibility of Group Work

I am offering the totally OPTIONAL possibility of group final projects for those who are interested. Those who would like to pursue partner/group work for the final project must first:

1. schedule a meeting with me
2. explain how the members' topics intersect and compliment each other
3. propose how the project will be expanded in scope to compensate for multiple creators (I will create a unique rubric for you based on the agreed-upon criteria)

It is your responsibility to discuss with potential partners or group members and to follow up on these steps. Also, please be aware that even group project members will have to create their own independent media analysis papers. The final project is the only project with the possibility for group work.

Culture Jams!

Rob, Sam & Adam

Alex, Jordan & Gunther

Conner, MG & Lily

Brooklyn, Drew & Luke

Jack, Ariel & Sal

Mohammed, Nadine & Emily

Aleana, Savanna & Ryoma

Max, Monique, Chase & Jessica

Emma

Link to Midterm Evaluation

Please fill out this short survey over the weekend for the midterm evaluation

It is anonymous and untraceable

Culture Jam Project

Culture Jam Project (200 pts): This group project (groups of 2-3) entails digitally altering the logo or branding of a corporation, company, organization or public agency to make a social statement about it. We will go over what culture jamming is, look at successful examples, come up with a best practices list, and do a Digital Tools Workshop in the Digital Media Center at the Anderson Academic Commons before you are expected to complete it.

See detailed rubric on Canvas.

Groups:

Survey Link - Media Skills

Please fill out this survey (3 questions, multiple choice) prior to our Media Workshop on Thursday, October 8th: https://udenver.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_6E8fwqI5fQU4oZv

Thanks!

Topic Proposal Assignment

Topic Proposal (100 pts): Your final project will be the production of an activist media product (see final project description for details). Please turn in a 1000-word proposal covering: 1.) the topic of your proposed project; 2.) a description of the final product that you propose; 3.) project goals and objectives; 4.) background/literature review for your topic, including how this topic has been covered in the media (both news and social media); 5.) methodologies/media techniques, including what media skills the project requires (so I can be sure to include this in the second Media Workshop), where you will get the content for your project and a proposed timeline of your work; and 6.) your personal views on/connection to your topic. Please include citations, in APA format.

See detailed rubric here.

Group Presentation Schedule

Here is the schedule for the group presentations, with the content linked below. Browse the material and then comment on this post with your top 2-3 choices. Be sure to give a few preferences if you notice that at least 3 people have already commented with your top choice.

Date	Supplemental Group Presentation Material	Presenter 1	Presenter 2	Presenter 3
10.1a	Guardian article on Debord’s Society of the Spectacle	Mohammed	Savanna	Sam
10.b	Introduction, Networked (Russell) (p. 3-20)	Troy	Jordyn
10.6	“Nike Sweatshop Email” Essay (Peretti)	Sal	Adam	Aleana
10.13	“The Culture Industry Reconsidered” (Adorno)	Gunther	Brooklyn	Rob
10.20	Paige’s Story (Invisibilia)	Jessica	Kaylie
10.27	“Bed Intruder Meme” article/radio story (All Tech Considered)	Ariel	Drew	Max
10.29	“The Simpsons, Hyper-Irony, and the Meaning of Life” (Matheson)	Jack	Lily	Ryoma
11.3	“Ways of Seeing in American Beauty” (Boeck)	Emma	MG	Nadine
11.5	Feeling, Emotion, Affect (Shouse)	Emily	Monique	Alex
11.10	“Seven Stories from the ‘It Gets Better’ Project” (Yep et. al)	Luke	Conner	Chase