ENVS 195 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS 2010!

Great work everyone! Kudos!

1. Cosmetics and the Environment, by Sarah S & Torie




2. UNPLUG! by Ben, Paul, Pete & Peter





3. Beauty and the Media, by Faye, Allie & Britny




4. Texting and Driving, by Trevor, Amber & Sarah H




5. Turn It Off, Shut it Off, by Casey, Colin & James



6. NORML People, by Meg, Morgan, Zach & Nate

Week 14: Self Evaluation & Inspiration for Activists

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, May 2nd at midnight. Thanks for a great semester, good luck on finals and have a wonderful summer!

1. Self Evaluation

Blog a 5 paragraph summary of your learning and growth during the course OR create a "Top 10 List" of specific things you learned about media literacy from our course, using 2-3 sentences for each. Finally, ask 3 specific questions you still are thinking about. What was significant for you? How have you changed since experiencing something read/viewed/discussed/experienced in this class? Did something move you to action? How do you relate the course content to your own life and future work? How does this affect your vision of the earth or society? What is your role in promoting the ideas and concepts of media literacy?

2. Inspiration for Activists:

People say, what is the sense of our small effort?
They cannot see that we must
lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.
A pebble cast out into a pond causes ripples
that spread in all directions.
Each one of our thoughts, words and deeds is like that.
No one has the right to sit down and feel hopeless.
There’s too much work to do.

- Dorothy Day

Week 13: PSAs & PSA Reflection

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, April 25th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. PSA Projects DUE!
Completed PSAs are due at our last class meeting (4/27) which is a potluck lunch at my house. I will email directions separately. Please upload your PSA to YouTube and email me the URL. Also, please bring a copy of your PSA on disc to our last meeting. PSA’s will be aired on the UVM station, local cable channels and shared with environmental groups.

2. PSA Reflection

Blog a summary of your experience creating your PSA, focusing on the process and your learning (no need to describe your PSA in detail - I've seen it and it will be posted to our course blog!) How was scripting, storyboarding and filming the PSA? How well did your group work together? Do you feel you effectively educated your audience on your selected environmental/media theme? Self assess your work with regard to educational content, clear intent, engagement of audience, effective use of props, visuals, sound, movement and text. Is this an effective tool for environmental activism?

Week 12: Ad Analysis, Activist Websites & PSAs

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, April 18th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. Ad Analysis
Calvin & Hobbes, by Bill Watterson
Choose a popular advertisement from an Internet ad that uses environmental imagery to sell its product or service. Deconstruct the image and message using the key media literacy questions and persuasive techniques learned in class to examine the ways in which images construct meaning. Include the URL of the ad.

2. Activist Websites

Browse through the following websites and choose ONE to follow for the week. You may wish to sign up for email alerts or other services the site offers. How does the organization fulfill its mission of social or economic change? Does online activism work? Does participation in this form feel meaningful? Be specific in your support or criticism.

ACME: Action Coalition for Media Education: Democratizing our media system through education and activism.

Act for change: Action alerts, activism opportunities, and activism tips.

AlterNet: Syndication service and online community of the alternative press, featuring news stories from alternative newsweeklies, magazines and web publications.

Be The Media: Enable people-powered, community-based, participatory media.

Big Picture TV: Big Picture TV streams free video clips from hundreds of leading thinkers and experts to help you make sense of the most important issues facing the world today.

Common Dreams: Breaking News and Views for the Progressive Community.

Common Sense Media: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

Counter Punch: Muckraking leftist newsletter that tells the facts, names the names!

Democracy Now: A daily TV/radio news program, hosted by Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez, airing on over 800 stations, pioneering the largest community media collaboration in the U.S.

Free Press: A national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to reform the media through education, organizing and advocacy.

Grist: Environmental news and green living tips from Grist, the most recognizable voice in environmental journalism.

Independent Media Center: Indymedia is a collective of independent media organizations and hundreds of journalists offering grassroots, non-corporate coverage. Indymedia is a democratic media outlet for the creation of radical, accurate, and passionate tellings of truth.

National Priorities Project: Offers citizen and community groups tools and resources to shape federal budget and policy priorities which promote social and economic justice.

New American Dream : Helps Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance quality of life, and promote social justice.

News Trust: Helps people find and share good journalism online.

Organic Consumers Association : The Organic Consumers Association (OCA) is an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability. The OCA deals with crucial issues of food safety, industrial agriculture, genetic engineering, children's health, corporate accountability, Fair Trade, environmental sustainability and other key topics.

Project Censored: Locating stories about significant issues of which the public should be aware, but is not, for one reason or another.

PR Watch: A nonprofit, public interest organization dedicated to investigative reporting on the public relations industry.

Signs of the Times: One of the leading news sites for those tired of the "news" that is "reported" by the mainstream media.

Thomas Hartmann: News. Opinion. Debate. National daily progressive radio talk show.

Toward Freedom: A progressive perspective on world events.

Truthout: Truthout works to broaden and diversify the political discussion by introducing independent voices and focusing on undercovered issues and unconventional thinking.

Visionaries Institute International: Visionaries Institute International is a center for the creation and study of media that inspires positive social change in the real world.

YES! Magazine is an award-winning, ad-free, nonprofit publication that supports people’s active engagement in building a just and sustainable world.

3. PSA Group Blog Post #3:

Two weeks to go! How is the process unfolding? Are all team members participating as promised? Report on you progress. Storyboarding , shooting video, collecting images, and research should all be completed soon. Editing should begin as soon as possible to bring your message together and finalize your project. Help is available through the UVM Media Services Department.
REMINDER: Be flexible, communicate with each other, and have fun!

Week 11: PR, Democracy, Observation Experiment & PSAs!

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, April 11th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. Toxic Sludge is Good For You, Chapter 12 (hard copy handed out in class)

This final chapter opens with a quote from Australian scholar Alex Covey, "Taking the Risk out of Democracy". He is quoted again later on pages 202-203, defining the terms 'propaganda' and 'education', and relating these both to democracy. After finishing the chapter, reflect on the opening quote and the idea of democracy. What does 'democracy' mean to you? What have you learned about public relations and other media related topics as they pertain to democracy? How do we as concerned citizens exercise our democratic rights within a capitalist economic system? Share your vision of a just and truly democratic country. Where is the hope? What is your role in making this a reality?

2. Observation Experiment

Go outside for 30 minutes, find a single spot to sit or stand, and write down everything you observe. (No cell phones, iPods, etc!) Next, watch a 30 minute TV program and write down everything you observe as you watch. Compare the two experiences. Was one easier than the other? Which afforded you more control over the flow of information? What did each experience teach you about the world, life, valuable skills and information, other people, yourself? What are the implications? What does this say about knowledge? What does the experience tell us about ourselves and the world we inhabit? (Note: You do not need to blog everything you saw outside or on TV; a brief summary or any specific items that support your reflections and ideas are all that is needed!)

3. PSA Group Blog Post #2

Where are you in your work? Do you feel good about your progress so far, or are you frustrated? How well is your group working together? Has your concept changed since your initial brainstorming? What is each team member responsible for? What specific tasks will be accomplished by our next class? REMINDER: Be flexible, communicate with each other, and have fun!

Week 10: Toxic Sludge is Good For You & PSAs!

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, April 4th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. Toxic Sludge is Good For You!












Please read chapter 8 & chapter 9 (hard copy handed out in class) and share FIVE KEY OBSERVATIONS (concepts, personal stories, research) you learned about the PR industry in EACH chapter, and one question you have after finishing EACH chapter of the reading. (Be sure your questions begin with these three words on your blog post - "My question is...")

2. Public Service Announcements








PSA GROUP BLOG POST #1: List the names of your team members (exchange email and phone contact information offline), and post your CONCEPT in 2-3 sentences on each of your personal blogs. Start thinking about what roles - producer, director, back-up/support crew, researcher, digital editor - each of you will adopt/share for the project. REMINDER: Be flexible and communicate with each other!

Passover Treat!

Chocolate Covered Carmelized Matzo Crunch













Click here for the recipe!

Week 9: Culture Jam & The Corporation II

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, March 28 at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. Culture Jam

Blog a 5 paragraph letter to Kalle Lasn, President Obama, a particular corporation, or a state or national legislator expressing your views, beliefs, new knowledge, and planned or requested actions with regard to what you have gained from reading the book Culture Jam. What was significant for you? Did something move you to action? Has your view of your life, our society or the earth been altered? What is your role in affecting positive social and environmental change?

Be concise yet thoughtful, and develop and support your ideas. Use and cite short quotes from the readings as needed, or summarize the author’s words in your own. Relate your ideas to what you have learned through the reading, and include new insights and perspectives you feel you have gained from the book or in class. Please note: I strongly suggest that you plan to actually mail your letter – be an activist!

2. The Corporation

Please blog one surprise, one agitation, one significant item of new learning, and one question you have after screening the second half of this film. Did you find the end of the film hopeful and helpful as we struggle with the challenge of what we can do personally to address American overconsumption and its commensurate negative impacts? How will you use the information you have experienced in this film?

Radio Spots (finally!)

Radio Spots (finally!)

Week 8: Culture Jam & The Corporation

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, March 21 at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1.Culture Jam







Please read pp 72-136 of "Culture Jam: How To Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge - And Why We Must". Share FIVE KEY OBSERVATIONS/REFLECTIONS (concepts, personal stories, research) you learned about our consumer culture as it relates to your life, and one question you have after finishing the reading. (Be sure your question begins with these three words on your blog post: "My question is...") Meditate on your media! Dig deep!

2. The Corporation












Please blog your initial thoughts and reactions to the first half of the film. What stood out for you? Why do you suppose we in the United States aren't familiar with much of this film's content? Are we dumb? Distracted? Are there larger institutional or structural forces at work? Share your musings with me!

Week # 7: Culture Jam!

To receive full credit, this blog assignment must be posted by SUNDAY night, March 14th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

Please read the introduction and pp 3-71 of "Culture Jam: How To Reverse America's Suicidal Consumer Binge - And Why We Must". Blog a free write of your reactions and reflections on what you have read. How did it make you feel? What stood out for you? Can you connect your personal experience as a young adult living in the American consumer culture to Lasn's words? Be specific and honest!

Skating, Sliding & Skiing!

Skating on the Rideau Canal in Ottawa

Sliding down an ice slide at the Ottawa Winter Festival

Cross Country Skiing on our street on Wednesday

Late Art

Morgan & Colin's environmental art offerings:

Week #6: Facebook, Media Minds, Film & Tweeting!

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, February 28th at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

1. Please read Tom Hodgkinson's article on Facebook entitled, "With Friends Like These" and answer the following questions:



a. IYOW, identify the thesis of Hodgkinson's article, in one sentence.

b. Describe TWO observations the author makes about Facebook with which you agree, and TWO observations he makes about Facebook with which you disagree. Be clear and specific.

2. In preparation for our Toys R Us field trip, please read Rob Williams' article entitled, "The Making of a Media Literate Mind" and blog your reflections. What stood out for you? Is there anything you learned from the article that you didn't know before?













3. Please screen the Media Education Film, Still Killing Us Softly 3, and blog your reactions, listing 5 specific ideas/concepts/observations. How did the film make you feel? What persuasive techniques does Kilbourne use in presenting her research?

4. OPTIONAL (but highly recommended if you've never participated in the "Twitterverse" before):

1. Set up a Twitter account. Think carefully about how you wish to "name" yourself on Twitter, and be sure to take the time to include an account image and some brief bio info.

2. Come follow me in the Twitterverse at SuzieDbrs. I will follow you back.

3. "Tweet" a "Hello" message to the "Twitterverse," and include the #UVM hash tag in your message, so everyone on Twitter at UVM can welcome you, and come follow you on Twitter. (Suggestion: Hello #UVM! I am new to Twitter. Who should I follow?)

4. Download a FREE application called Tweet Deck for your home computer or laptop. I will "demo" Tweet Deck in class for you.

5. Start playing with Twitter as you have time to. HAVE SOME FUN!

Class #5: Readings, Screenings & Other Stuff

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, February 21st at midnight. If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit. Please post your reflections to the course blog and copy to your personal blog.

1. Ad Nauseam: Parts 5 & 6









Please share three things (concepts, observations, themes) you learned after reading parts 5 & 6 of Ad Nauseam, and one question you have after finishing each section of the reading. (Be sure your questions begin with these three words on your blog post - "My question is..." )

2. Please read Steven Johnson's TIME magazine article, "How Twitter Will Change The Way We Live" (Summer 2009), and answer the questions below.




a. IYOW, identify the thesis of Johnson's article, in one sentence.

b. Describe TWO observations Johnson makes about Twitter with which you agree, and TWO observations Johnson makes about Twitter with which you disagree. Be clear and specific.

c. PERSONAL QUESTION: Are you using Twitter for personal or professional use? Why or why not? Please describe your relationship to Twitter right now.



3. Finish watching the PBS Frontline documentary, The Merchants of Cool, and list FIVE of the most important things you learned about the symbiotic relationship between the media and teens. Be specific and personal, and be prepared to share these in class.







4. I mentioned in class that I set up all your blogs on Google Reader so that whenever any of you posts something new, it comes to my reader. Here's a short and fun video explaining the power of RSS (Real Simple Syndication). Make information come to you! We'll talk more about this next class...

Mardi Gras Pancake Races!

Laissez les bon temps roulez! :)

Phineas Gage

Meet Phineas Gage (his skull actually). He was a 19th century Vermont railroad engineer whose horrific accident helped launch modern brain science... more on the brain this week in class!

Class #4: Readings, Screenings & Other Stuff

To receive full credit, these blog assignments must be posted by SUNDAY night, February 14th at midnight (Happy Valentine's Day!) If you post late, please email me your post directly at sdebross@uvm.edu as soon as you are able, and I'll give you partial credit.

Please post your reflections to the course blog and copy to your personal blog.

1. Ad Nauseam: Parts 3 & 4

In what specific ways can you connect the reading to what we have read, screened, and/or discussed in this course? What observations do you make between these sections of Ad Nauseam and PBS's The Persuaders film or Cascio's Get Smarter article? Be clear and specific in your examples. Select at least one idea or concept from each section of the reading.

2. Is Google Making Us Smarter?



Please read Jamais Cascio's summer 2009 "Get Smarter" article in The Atlantic, and then answer the following questions:

a. IYOW, identify the thesis of Cascio's article, in one sentence.

b. Describe TWO observations Cascio makes about Web 2.0 with which you agree, and TWO observations Cascio makes about Web 2.0 with which you disagree. Be clear and specific.

3. The Persuaders

Please watch the PBS Frontline documentary The Persuaders, and list FIVE of the most important things you learned about THE PERSUASION INDUSTRY. Be specific and personal, and be prepared to share these in class.

4. Other stuff:

a. "Follow" our course blog and replace your grey silhouette stalker image with a decent picture!

b. Copy the image of your environmental art project to your personal blog and add a few descriptive sentences about your artistic decisions and intent.

Environmental Art Projects

Quelles artistes!

Wonderful creativity and thoughtful representations of media and the environment. Kudos to all artists!