Over the last few weeks, you have read articles on new technological developments and the importance of critical media literacy.  Nolan Higdon introduces this topic in “Teaching Media Literacy” Teaching Media Literacy” arguing for federal funding to teach students how to be more critical of the media they consume and in their own writing. He offers the Critical Media Project as a place students can turn to begin to really understand how their world is shaped by the media, including representations of men and women, different ethnicities, the LBGTQ community, the disabled and others.  In   The Shallows“The Shallows” Nicholas Carr argues that the ability to think deeply and maintain concentration is a lost battle.  Our addiction to social media and the internet has altered our brains, so that reading long works doesn’t even seem possible (or desirable).  Adding to these concerns is the film “Social Dilemma” and the uses and abuses of ChatGBT.

In a carefully argued essay, I ask you to consider some of the ideas raised in your readings and your own use of technology and social media.  What are your thoughts about the capabilities and liabilities of technology.   What good can it do?  What are its dangers as applied to how we think, act, and create?  How does the media help humankind?   How does it misrepresent and misguide us?  Do you think it’s a problem at all?  What, for you, are the best ways to protect ourselves from becoming passive consumers of technology?

In your essay, be sure to set up your argument in dialogue with these authors.  Make your point clear, then focus on specific examples to support your assertions. Consider including counter-argument and ideas missed by the articles.

If you prefer, you may write a “Response Paper” to one of your readings or to the film “Social Dilemma.”

Before writing your assignment, you will be asked to write a “Reflective Annotated Bibliography” (RAB) on your cumulative readings.

 

RAB Components:

  • Introduction (200-300 words)
    • Introduce the topic of Critical Media Literacy and its importance to students.
  • List your sources in alphabetical order, with MLA citation and info below (400-500 words each)
    • 1-paragraph Summary + 2-3 Key Quotes (include citation page if possible)
    • 1-paragraph Rhetorical Analysis (Who is the author? What kind of publication is this?  How do you feel the author’s writing style, awareness of audience and purpose (reason for writing), and choice of genre affect the meaning and credibility of the document?)
    • 1-paragraph Response (what do *you* think of these ideas? how does this source add to your knowledge?)
  • Conclusion (200-300 words)
    • Reflect on what you have learned and how this new knowledge connects to your own technology and social media use

Unit 2 RAB Complete Model

Evaluation Criteria Checklist

  • Reflection should be readable, informative, and thorough and give a clear sense of both the author’s ideas and your own
  • Sources should be varied in content and genre
  • Formatting should be clear, with attention to visual organization (labels)
  • Citations should follow MLA format
  • Clear sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation