Assignment Details One of the objectives of this course is to get you to think critically about your own personal relationship with popular culture. For this first assignment, you are asked to select one “thing’ in your own life that you think qualifies as popular culture. I’m being deliberately vague when I say ‘thing’ because we could be talking here about a book, poster, toy, song, clothing item, movie, game, food item (etc.) but we could also be talking less about a concrete text and more about an activity (ritual, sport, performance etc.) or an interactive media technology… the possibilities are endless. Once you have selected your thing, write a short, interesting, reflective paper in which analyze it using the thinkers and theories we have studied this far. Consider these prompt questions as you plan your paper: 1. Your personal history with your “thing” . How, when, and why did it come to be in your possession and/or part of your life? ‘What meaning(s) does it have for you? ‘How have forces such as family, peers, and media influenced your view of it? 2. Why it qualifies as popular culture ‘Under which/whose definitions of pop culture does it fit and why? ‘Could it also be considered folk or high culture? Why or why not? 3. What it means ‘Using theorists you have studied in Comm 123 thus far, try to analyze the cultural meaning/ significance/ role of your chosen “thing.” ‘Why might our thinkers approve/disapprove of it? If you wish to, feel free to take a side, but whether or not you take a side, make sure to demonstrate your awareness of alternate view(s). 4. How your perspective on your ‘thing” has evolved as a result of this course ‘How have the course readings/lectures up to this point challenged, altered, and/or reinforced your previous perception of/relationship to it? The strongest papers will address most of the areas outlined above though you are free to combine them as you see fit. Crucially though, don’t skimp on #3. It is vital in this paper that you demonstrate your ability to apply the readings you’ve done so far to your chosen cultural thing. We are also keen to see you demonstrate intellectual dexterity which, for the purposes of this paper, we’ll define as the ability to make more than one argument about your selected thing. It is very important that your paper be grounded in the literature from class. This means your ideas (with the exception of the ‘personal history’ section) should be supported by references to and quotations from the texts we have read. If the thing you pick classifies as ‘popular culture” but is not well known (yes, that’s a possibility) you may want to find and include data to support your selection. In other words, if you claim that your thing is “well liked by many” and you’re not writing about something that very obviously meets that criterion – eg: facebook-you may want to offer proof such as statistics on sales, viewership, etc. In general though, please note that the “well-liked by many” criterion is not typically persuasive or useful. Bear in mind that your paper will be more successful if you are able to defamiliarize the familiar – to visit your thing with fresh eyes (try imagining you’re from outer space… what does your thing tell you about earthlings? about you? about the culture you’re from? about the life of a Penn student?). If you think you’ll find this defamiliarizing or denaturalizing process challenging, it might help you to select something that doesn’t have overwhelming sentimental value for you. Excessive affection can seriously impair analysis All papers must (that’s must as in we may deduct points if you don’t follow these instructions): 1) Include page numbers; 2) Have original titles written on page one of your paper (do not submit separate cover sheets for titles); 3) Be 1,400 (min) to 1,600 (max) words long. Include your word count on the bottom of your final page. We will deduct.25 points for every 50 words under 1,400 or over 1,600. Titles and end of text references do not count towards your word count, quotes do; 4) Be double-spaced with one inch margins and carefully proofread; 5) Include page numbers, in parenthesis, after any quotes taken from course readings (remember to use APA); 6) Incorporate ideas from at least 2 but not more than 4 Comm 123 readings (after you have used 2 class readings, additional readings may come from elsewhere but check with your TA first); 7) Be well written and well organized; 8) Use clear topic sentences to launch each new paragraph (and make sure the ensuing paragraph follows on from that topic sentence). Avoid bumpy transitions between paragraphs; 9) Be your own original work. Any student who plagiarizes any paper this semester (this includes outsourcing paper-writing or re-using a paper from another class) will fail the entire class; 10) Be handed in on time via Canvas: papers will lose 1 point for every hour they are late. Here’s what we’ll be evaluating as we read these: . Quality of Thinking (your understanding of how and why your selected thing is interesting in relation to the materials we have studied thus far and/or your ability to articulate different perspectives): 20 points ‘Quality of Exposition (how well your paper is organized and written and yep, this includes typos!): 10 points ‘Memorability/Originality (how well your paper conveys intellectual curiosity, creative thinking and original engagement with the readings): 10 points What it means Using theorists you have studied in Comm 123 thus far, try to analyze the cultural meaning/ significancel role of your chosen ‘thing.” ‘Why might our thinkers approve/disapprove of it? If you wish to, feel free to take a side, but whether or not you take a side, make sure to demonstrate your awareness of alternate view(s). Possible theorists- benjamin-significant -aura and authenticity Adorno horkheimer-disapproval- products of culture take appearance of artwork but are strictly commodities for entertainment (takes away from them being pop culture)

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.