Communications

Communications
Below are five questions; you must answer every question. In addition to theoretical material, be sure to use specific examples drawn from the text, 50 Ways to Understand Communication: A Guided Tour of Key Ideas and Theorists in Communication by Asa Berger on , Media, and Culture by your own experiences to support your answers. Take your time, read.

1. The concept of the “industrialization of the mind” and the statement that we may very well be “amusing ourselves to death” have been central ideas to this past unit on media. What do these concepts mean? What did various theorists have to say about them? Do you agree or disagree with the rather bleak outlook these theorists have predicted for future human communication? Be sure to connect your analysis to specific media examples taken from chapter readings.

2. What does Jameson mean by “the degraded landscape” of postmodern culture? Do you agree with his assessment? What effect do you think this landscape has had on you?

3. Investigate the terms simulacra and hyperrealities and apply them to the concept of postmodernism. You will, of course, need to define postmodernism in your answer as well as connecting it to the two terms above.

4.How does Rheingold define and explain “smart mobs”? How can a mob be smart? Do you agree or disagree with his central argument?

5.Define “narrative”, discuss its role in our everyday lives (de Certeau) and connect it to any chosen news program of your choice. What power do such narratives have on people? Furthermore, in what way is our society a “recited” society?