Time Schedule:
Amoshaun Phynn Toft
B CUSP 104
Bothell Campus
Examines an important social issue such as ecology, art, political change, the power of media, educational reform, or the role of science in contemporary culture through interdisciplinary investigation, and the lens of the visual, literary, and performing arts. Offered: A.
Class description
We understand ourselves and others through the stories we hear and tell. From American Idol to CNN to religious sermons to Facebook, stories are the way we understand ourselves and our place in the world. But not all stories are created equal: why do we value some stories over others depending on the messenger, the cultural context, and the ways that we are asked to see our reflections in the narrative?
We will explore these questions by drawing on academic work in sociology, communication, and cultural studies, by comparing and contrasting examples of popular cultural stories, and by producing our own stories using digital media. Throughout this course, we will critically reflect upon the relationship between self-identity and the stories told in a variety of institutions and cultural sites, including mainstream media (CNN, Oprah, MTV, Hollywood), religion, politics, academic disciplines (sociology, anthropology, communications, global health, geography), live art?(theater, performance art) and alternative medias (pirate radio, graphic novels).
Yet, even as we read about, listen to and watch stories about the social world, we are also all storytellers. So how can we tell our own stories competently using digital tools? Throughout the course we will engage in a series of production assignments, learning how to tell compelling stories through photography, radio, film, and other forms of creative production and scholarly writing.
Student learning goals
Understand what constitutes a "scholarly" source of knowledge
Identify major US institutions and explain their roles in shaping American and Global cultures
Employ principles of Media Literacy (including both analysis of media as well as media production)
Move from opinion to thoughtful critique and analysis
Understand and appreciate the ethics of research and documentation, and how this varies by occupational sector (e.g. journalism vs. academia)
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Assignments will include reflective and summary writing, exams, radio and art projects, a graphic novel/zine, and digital film
