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!