Midterm Reflections...already?

October 2010, personified

With the mid-point of this (my second-to-last) semester here at Camp Champ I am sure I am not the only one with this pumpkin's expression on my own visage. I can honestly say however, that through the teachings of Doc Williams and the overall atmosphere in the classroom, I have been able to thoroughly enjoy myself whilst in the cozy confines of the Ireland building each Monday and Thursday.

Through the seemingly relentless repetition of particularly important material, the introduction and application of new tools, certain arguments pertaining to Postman/Carr/Cascio, etc, have made the issues we are confronted with (media being omnipotent) as something more real and even tangible. We are provided with such a variety of readings, blog postings, and pop-culture references at our disposal we have been able to see how the aforementioned arguments are not only pertinent, but how they are applied. To me, that is what really makes the material stick. The fact that what we are being taught isn't just spoken at us, but utilized in the classroom environment in new and entertaining ways that stick out in our memories.

I can honestly say that there aren't many things that I would change about this class if I could. I sincerely enjoy the discussions that we have and the way we all interact with one another. If I were to change one thing though, more group work, the way that's been working so far has been spot on (This sorta addresses 4 & 5).

In looking back at this first half of the semester (it is tough to not look as far back as freshman year, 3 years ago...), I find that I am able to look at a lot of media presented to me on a day-to-day basis and see it in new and different ways. Through various assignments we have been asked to not only look at what media says, but what it doesn't say, and how that causes us to react. Whether looking simply at what part of your brain is affected by your favorite scene in a movie or favorite song is one thing, but to look that much deeper into everything that comes as a result of those things. The marketing for selling the product, planting the image/sound in your brain, and subconsciously(?) making you crave whatever it is that is being sold to you.

Lastly but not leastly, as far as the books/power tools are concerned, The only book that I really didn't care for was Feed. The use of the modified language, the hyperbole of the whole story made it really difficult for me to enjoy. To me it seems more like a book aimed at a lower age demographic. Aside from that, very pleased, the information is relevant, applicable, and enjoyable. Can't wait for the rest of the semester.

-G

P.s. In honor of the Ghostface Killah Concert tonight (10/18/10), please enjoy

(From the Pretty Toney Album, 2004)