法学部Faculty of Law

This course is designed to help students to become informed participants in the media. Students will learn to identify, analyze, interpret and evaluate media content. Students are expected to reflect on the content, and respond critically via discussions, presentations and writing assignments. These activities will help students to develop critical thinking skills, and improve their English communication skills, both oral (presentation & group interaction) and writing.

The course will focus on identifying the major themes in various foreign media, and creating critical responses to these media themes. Students are expected to gain awareness of media techniques, and develop both critical thinking skills and communication skills.

ディプロマポリシーのうち、「DP1」、「DP3」に強く関連。「DP2」、「DP4」に関連。

英語 / English

Due to the pandemic management protocols, this class shall be held online using two primary platforms, Zoom and Google Classroom.Class meetings will be held on Zoom while materials and assignments will be posted on google classroom. Class activities will also involve watching Youtube videos and exploring social media contents.

Students are encouraged to download and install Zoom and Google Classroom applications on their computers or tablets. Instructional videos on how to use these platforms are freely available online. All students should study such material to gain familiarity with the basic functions of these learning platforms before the beginning of classes. Before the class the ID and password for joining the class will be posted on Hopii.

We will have two basic class styles. The instructor will tell you at least a week before whether the class will be type 1 or type 2.
1. Online using Zoom.
The majority of classes will follow this style. Students are expected to check in for some live interaction/discussions at the regular class time. After that you will receive assignments, whether videos, slides or readings that you have to access and respond to within the class time. If you do not check-in or do your assigned work you will be considered absent.

2.Assignment based.
Sometimes students will not be required to show up online during class time. Instead you will complete assignments on Google Classroom in your free time. This lesson style is more flexible allowing you do to do the work when it is convenient for you. However, you need to observe the deadlines for assignments.
When the classes start, students are also expected to give presentations and write essays or journal entries. Active participation in class is a basic requirement of this course and will contribute to the final grade. The instructor will typically introduce issues/themes/skills during the first half of each class and the remainder of the time will be devoted to peer interaction among the students.


Assignments
All assignments are to be submitted using Google Classroom. The instructor will use the same platform, Google Classroom, to provide feedback to the students.

あり / Yes

なし / No

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1：Orientation

Introductions and orientation.
Course procedure and expectations.

2：What do we mean by Media?

Defining media
Types of media
The nature of media messages.

3：Media Literacy

The rationale for media literacy.
Key media literacy skills.
-awareness and understanding
-analysis and evaluation
-creation and participation

4：Media Literacy

Key media literacy skills
-curiosity
-engagement
-flexibility and open-mindedness

5：The New Media

Traditional and contemporary media.
Media and technology.
Participatory media

6：Media Messages

News
Advertising
Entertainment
Social media

7：Communication Step 1

Preparing for presentations and short essays.
Writing with clarity and grace.
Workshops.

8：Communication Step 2

Speaking with the audience in mind.
Writing with the reader in mind.
Communication goals setting.

9：Issues in foreign media

Facts and Opinions.
The language of facts and opinions.
Values in media messages.
Presentations and group discussions.

10：Issues in foreign media

Journalism and news
Media ownership and reporting.
Voice and perspective.
Representation.
Presentations and group discussions.

11：Issues in foreign media

Stereotypes and gender
Presentations and discussions

12：Advertising and the media

Presentations on advertising.
Group discussions.

13：Make-up assignments

Reading and response paper

14：Make-up assignments

Reading and response paper

Assignments will include accessing media content(movies, reading, music) and reflecting, then responding to the media in writing.本授業の準備学習・復習時間は各2時間を標準とします。

There is no required textbook for this class. Selected handouts will be provided by the instructor and students will be required to identify material from current media to watch and respond to. The texts below are recommended for those who want to improve the following skills by themselves.

Media Literacy
Potter, J.W., (2016) Introduction to Media Literacy. Los Angeles: Sage.
Writing
Williams, J.M.(2009) Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. New York: Pearson.

The final grade will be based on attendance and participation as well as scores in the presentations and essay and group work activities.
Attendance and participation 28%
Quizzes/response paper 20%
Final Presentation 22%
Final Essay 30%

The main goal of the class is to develop critical thinking skills and clarity in communication. Students' work will be graded based on these.

Not applicable

Folder for storing handouts.

This syllabus is flexible and subject to changes. However, the main goals and expected outcomes of the class are fixed. Please take note of any change of plans especially those affecting assignments and deadlines.