What Media Classes Really Want to Discuss

<p>You probably already have a clear idea of what a "discussion guide for students" is: a series of not-very-interesting questions at the end of a textbook chapter. Instead of triggering thought-provoking class discussion, all too often these guides are time-consuming and ineffective.</p><p>This is not that kind of discussion guide.</p><p><em>What Media Classes Really Want To Discuss</em> focuses on topics that introductory textbooks generally ignore, although they are prominent in students’ minds. Using approachable prose, this book will give students a more precise critical language to discuss “common sense” phenomena about media.</p><p>The book acknowledges that students begin introductory film and television courses thinking they already know a great deal about the subject. <em>What Media Classes Really Want To Discuss</em> provides students with a solid starting point for discussing their assumptions critically and encourages the reader to argue with the book, furthering the 'discussion' on media in everyday life and in the classroom. </p> <p>Preface: A Note to the Student About Why This Book Is Different. 1. "It’s Just a Movie:" Why You Should Analyze Film and Television. <strong> Part</strong> <strong>One: Discussing How Media Work</strong> 2. What Is Realism, Really? 3. How Do We Identify with Characters? 4. Genre Schmenre. <strong>Part Two: Discussing Media and</strong> <strong>Society.</strong> 5. "Studies Show:" How To Understand Media Violence/Effects Research 6. Role Models and Stereotypes: An Introduction to the "Other". <strong>Part Three: Discussing Media’s Future Now.</strong> 7. What Difference Does a Medium Make? 8. What Is Interactivity?</p>