Prof SW's blog

An array of links for COM students

profsw — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:10:03 +0000

Someone sent me this about SOPA and PIPA, language NSFW.

CBS reported Joe PA’s death before it happened. Journalistic standards aside, it makes one wonder if Miss Cleo is working for them. This article gives a nice run down of how the false rumors spread and were debunked.

Are we losing the ability to communicate, thanks to technology? I’ve seen various versions of that article over the years, and we’ll be talking about this topic throughout the semester.

Com 140: SOPA and PIPA

profsw — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:38:41 +0000

From Google

From Wikipedia

Other sites that went black.

Follow the links to read more specific information about the acts. What are your thoughts? How might bills such as these impact content on the web? Your careers?

COM 140 final

profsw — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:10:24 +0000

If you missed last class or lost your handout, the final is available for download HERE.

Com 140 Paper 5

profsw — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:29:45 +0000

The paper is due next class, Nov. 17. Download HERE.

Your paper should reference the second half of this story from This American Life . (The first half is interesting but not directly related to the course material.) We listened to the piece once already in class–news channel runs a story that other channels didn’t.

You should also reference to article I handed out in class, also available here. And of course, your paper should heavily reflect the movie.

Thursday’s Class: Nov 10, Com 140

profsw — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:50:06 +0000

We will be watching a movie that will start promptly at 6pm. Do not come in late. Do not chatter doing the movie or else I’ll just mark you absent, since not paying attention is the equivalent of not being there. You will be writing paper #5 on this movie. It is likely the movie will take the entire time, and since the paper will be due the following week, it is advised that you do not leave early. It is strongly advised you pay attention to the movie since I will be expecting detailed responses to my questions in your papers.

Feel free to bring snacks, just clean up after yourself!

Food for thought for paper 4

profsw — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:22:38 +0000

Explore ‘The Other’ for Halloween: Thoughts and comments on these costumes?

And coming up on TLC: All-American Muslim

Readings for Nov. 3: Com 140

profsw — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:58:17 +0000

Social Media Issues:

Reading #1: Is this censorship?

Reading #2: Wikipedia deletes dangerous material.

Reading #3: Alone Together Excerpt, also listen to an interview with the author HERE and read her comments here.

And just for fun…Kutcher and ethics.

Paper 4, in case you missed it, is in this post.

Harry Potter/Book Banning Readings and Paper 4

profsw — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 01:43:13 +0000

Reading # 1 is Harry Potter and the Public School Library. Reading # 2 is this webpage. Reading # 3 is this article. Questions on the readings should either be brought to class, e-mailed, or posted here in the comments. I do continue to expect you to bring up your own thoughts/questions that you’ve written in class.

Paper # 4 is available for download HERE.

Spirit Day

profsw — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 03:54:48 +0000

Are you wearing purple? Some of my speech classes have already talked about the issues of cyber-bullying, and I know it’s been brought up in our class as well. No matter your views, the bullying, which has been resulting in young adults taking their lives, needs to stop.

Com 140: Bandura video

profsw — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:00:25 +0000

(With sound)