Pop Quiz Answers

Mass communication is described by John Vivan as a, "technology-assisted process by which messages are sent to large, faraway audiences."

Johannes Gutenberg invented movable metal type and made the mass-production of written word possible.

The "shot heard around the world" (page 34) refers to Guglielmo Marconi's experiment with wireless messages.  Marconi's brother was asked to fire a rifle to indicate that a Morse Code message had been received through a wireless telegraph.  

Philo Farnsworth invented the television.

The electrical waves that would later be called Hertzian waves were originally called radi.

Homework for September 8th

1) Write a 1-2 page summary of Chapter 2: Media Technology. The writing guidelines are on page three of the syllabus. You may use the "Learning Check" questions at the end of the reading sections to help focus on important concepts, but please be sure to summarize the entire chapter rather than just responding to those questions.  

2) Read Chapters 3 & 4. Discussion questions will be posted to the blog next week. You will need to submit your responses to the blog before class on Monday, September 8th.

Monday, August 25

Mass media have tremendous power to influence audiences and shape society.

Watch and discuss the video "Gods of Entertainment: The Power of Mass Media to Influence"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9KpNcB_GCk

Monday, August 18

In your own words define "mass media".