Media Analysis semester reflection
My big takeaways from media analysis would definitely be how closely I analyze what I am reading. I learned a lot about myself and how I consume my media- enough to now know that I need to be getting information from more than one source that is not just in reflection to what I see in my echochamber daily. I will never be able to look at an Ad, article or watch/listen to the news without wondering how my perception is being skewed from the truth.
I think that this should be a class that all school are required to offer. This class is so important in helping us become better consumers of media and daily news and would be especially beneficial to all teenagers. By having the skills that media analysis teaches on detecting bias, fake news, echo chambers, portrayal of demographics, preconceived ideas and so much more, it will help us become more aware of what we are taking in as a society.
To juniors who are thinking about chosing Media Analysis: do it! This class will change how you perceive most aspects of the media and you yourself will become a better contributor to society by knowing how to identify the things media analysis will teach you. You will learn to become skeptical of article you read and too not trust everything as it comes. You will gain a better understanding of how the media can distort our perceptions and become a better writer in the process. Not to mention, our class is so relevant to society today that the lessons can change the day before depending on current events and their timing. It is really cool to be a teenager in this class because it is completely geared towards what is relevant in your lives and the teachers do a great job trying to incorporate everything that you would find useful into the curriculum. This curriculum is centered around our generation and will help you grow so much as a consumer. Media analysis was by far one of my favorite classes I have taken at prospect and has been the biggest influencer in how much I trust the media.
To other seniors who are going to take Media Analysis: do the blogs! The blogs are sometimes tedious and can seem overwhelming but Mr. Block gives so many resources that can be used and they are a real grade boost. If you try to do well and you follow the rubrics that are always given to you, you will do fine in the class! Also, if you don’t think you will be ready with your essay, I highly suggest using your homework pass, even though it is extra credit at the end of the semester, it can be the difference between and A and B on an essay that weighs your grade heavily. Adding to that, try to get as involved in the discussions as possible, this class is highly discussion based and it helps if you fully try to apply yourself to all the topics- especially because they are so relevant to us today.
