Lesson Three

Intro - Media and Communication

Key Issues 
How is diversity influenced by the media and communication technologies?
How is identity affected by media coverage of world events?
How is identity affected by the dominance of American media? 
To what extent is identity affected by communication technology and the media in a globalizing world?

In today’s world many different countries can communicate almost instantly which provides both advantages and disadvantages. In this section, students will study interconnected communication technologies to learn of its effect on cultural diversity and individual identity.

Lesson

Resources:

U1L3 Power Point

Background to Crisis in Darfur
Not on Our Watch

Watch the following tutorial

CHAPTER READING:

Read Chapter Three (pages 67 – 85) and answer the following questions.
When completed, check your answers against those provided within the 'self check' link, below
(do NOT submit your answers to these questions).

Define the following terms as they pertain to globalization:

Digital divide
Global village
Propaganda
Universalization
Hybridization

Refer to the cartoon on page 66. What comment is the cartoonist making about globalization? Support your answer with evidence from the cartoon.

How does the map on page 69 illustrate the digital divide? Where is internet use the highest? The lowest?

To learn about Apple's global impact, visit Apple and the Democratic Republic of Congo

Watch the following video related to the Congo Coltan War -

Then explain if contemporary communication technologies (such as the cell phone or the internet) help promote people’s individual and collective identity in positive ways?  In other words, does buying and owning a cell phone have a positive or negative impact on ALL people affected by your purchase. Research and then present your opinion and at least two examples to support your answer.

Go to Youtube.com and search for and watch the video named - In Darfur, My Camera was not Nearly Enough and Emergency in Darfur Part 1 - Crisis.
Then, read the following links to learn about the Crisis in Darfur and Not on Our Watch

Explain how globalization is either a positive or negative force on cultural identity. Justify your answer with examples.

SELF CHECK - click on the link for answers.

Assignment

Open a new Word document or PowerPoint presentation. Label it SS10U1L3.surname.
In this document, complete ONE of the assignments outlined below.
Submit this assignment using the Assignment Folder for U1L3 Media.

Complete and submit only ONE of the following...

1. Click on the following links to discover the background to the conflicts in Darfur and/or Syria and the hardships endured by refugees of either of these two conflicts.  Then, complete the following (more research may be required)

Choose ONE crisis (Darfur or Syria)
- Identify (in detail) the conflict occurring  (who, what, when, why and where)
- List and explain 10 daily challenges the the refugees of Darfur (or Syria) must endure.
- Decide on one plan of action to help the current situation and discuss its details.
- Include relevant images in your presentation.
- Include a bibliography with 3+ sources.

Present your detailed assignment in one of the following formats: report, power point, prezi or essay.

Darfur

Crisis Guide: Darfur and CBC News - Crisis in Darfur, Sudan

Darfur is Dying

Syria

I am Syria and Background on Syrian Crisis

Syrian Refugee Challenges

OR...

2. As you read in chapter three, disasters that attract wide media coverage are those that are unusual, can be explained and are often sorted by the ‘overall death toll’. 
Stories about continuing tragedies that don’t have clear causes or solutions attract less media attention. One tragic event that has received its share of media coverage is the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Examine the following website to view the events of that day: 9/11

Then, watch the following video on countries currently at war:

After viewing some of the coverage for the 9/11 tragedy, research online, and identify a world event that you think deserves more media coverage. Then create a script for a one minute radio/TV report that presents the story from a point of view that you think people should consider. Present your script (along with coinciding images) in a captivating and informative power point presentation. At the end of the power point, explain in a paragraph why you think it did NOT receive enough warranted attention.  (provide specific reasons that are relevant to your selected disaster).  Include a bibliography that contains 3+ sources.
One possible source is Red Crescent Societies

Evaluation for this assignment will be based on the following RUBRIC.

1. Knowledge:  /5
2. Content:  /10
3. Design/Mechanics/Bibliography: /5
TOTAL   /20

Due dates are listed within the Course Calendar. Please refer to this for all updates.

Conclusion

In this lesson you have had the opportunity to examine some of the impacts of media and communications technology on the diversity of cultures. Lesson four will focus on how people affirm their cultural identity in a globalizing world.

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. 
~Albert Einstein