Communication 234
Midterm
- This is a take-home, open book midterm. You may use class readings and notes, but you should not discuss questions or answers with classmates or anyone else.
- Read questions carefully, and answer all parts of the questions you choose. Label your answer the appropriate number (e.g., Part II, A)
- You may take as much time as you need to answer each question. I recommend at least one and a half hours per essay. Answers must be typed/computer printed. Spell check them before turning in!
- Midterm is due Friday, October 20, 5:00 pm in my mailbox in Pleasants Hall, but earlier exams are happily accepted.
Part I: Everyone must answer this.
In class we discussed various criteria which can be used to judge whether a particular publication/production is alternative. A) Name and explain as many of these criteria as you can (hint: I can think of at least four criteria, possibly five or six, depending on how I define them). (B) Give an example of publications/productions that fulfill each of the criteria (e.g. if you describe three criteria, give three examples. Examples can be works described in readings or discussed, shown or reviewed in class). C) Keeping these criteria in mind, how do YOU define alternative media? Explain your answer (for example, if you think some criteria are more important than others, explain why). (D) Give an example of a work that meets YOUR definition's standards.
Part II: answer only ONE of the three questions below.
- (1) Explain Duncombe's point of view on the relationship between politics and alternative culture, as expressed in his chapter "the politics of alternative culture." (2) Do you agree with his assessment? Explain why or why not? (3) Present examples of alternative publications/productions (described in readings or viewed/reviewed in class) that support or illustrate your answer.
- In "Liberty of the Press," Keane argues that18th century thinkers, activists and politicians recognized that direct government censorship was problematic, but failed to recognize various other dynamics/factors that can limit or inhibit freedom of expression. (1) Explain and give examples of these other dynamics/factors. (2) Can alternative media help offset these factors? (3) If so, how? If not, why not?
- McChesney, in Corporate media and the threat to democracy, argues that the corporate ownership and for profit operation of the modern media have undermined democracy, and the journalism that should contribute to democracy. (1) Outline/summarize the specifics of his argument. (2) State whether you agree with him, and explain why or why not. (3) Do you think that alternative media practices can play any role in countering the forces McChesney recognizes? Give examples to support your answer.