Weekly outline

  • General

    • COMMUNICATION 10 Page

               

        

      COMM 10: Critical Perspectives in Communication is a UP General Education (GE) course that explores how communication takes place in various levels of human interaction: interpersonal or group, mass or public, intercultural and workplace. It is in these spheres wherein you would be able to forge your individual and collective identities, and make sense of your interactions not only with others but also with institutions that impact on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. As you interact with individuals and institutions, you need to be armed with various lenses for you to have a more critical and meaningful engagement with issues and concerns of communication in local and global contexts.

      This perspectives course engages you on a critical examination of communication issues in five interrelated areas: language, identity construction, representation, culture, and discourse. It is in these areas wherein the interdisciplinary nature of COMM 10 is evident. The course takes off from the arts and humanities, but certain concepts and tools of analysis are also drawn from the social science disciplines.

      A GE program that loops in knowledge domains in the arts and humanities, social sciences and philosophy, mathematics and the sciences forms the bedrock of university education. A good GE program provides the base on which core courses in various curricula may spring from.

      Hopefully, after finishing this course, you would have developed a clearer standpoint on vital issues through concepts and tools of analysis inspired by theories and frameworks learned in this class.

    • About the Instructor Page

      I am Dr. Gina S. Salazar, Associate Professor at the Department of Arts and Communication (DAC) and the Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs of UP Manila.  I have been a faculty member of DAC for 31 years, handling OrCom 200 (Organizational Communication Research), OrCom 199 (Organizational Communication Research), OrCom 192 (Qualitative Research Methods in Organizational Communication), OrCom 111 (Technical Reporting), Linguistics 100 (Introduction to Language),  Communication 10 (Critical Perspectives in Communication), and Communication I & II (Communication Skills) classes. I earned my doctoral degree in Public Administration from the National College of Public Administration and Governance (NCPAG), UP Diliman.  My master’s and bachelor’s degrees from UP Diliman are both in English Studies.  I am also a member of Panel 5C of the UP Manila Research Ethics Board (UPM REB). I have been doing occasional extension work on Technical Writing for the Foreign Service Institute and the Human Resources Management Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Senate of the Republic of the Philippines, and the Office of the Vice President of the Philippines. You could get in touch with me via my official email address  gssalazar@up.edu.ph . 

  • Module 1: THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF COMMUNICATION

    thecuriousreader.com

    • Topic 1: Orality and Literacy Book

      Study Guide

       Let’s Begin

       In order to fully understand the changing landscape of communication, it is important for us to trace how communication and media have evolved. We are going to start with language. In his work Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word, Ong (2002) provides a discussion of the differences and relationships between orality and literacy and highlights how language is an oral phenomenon. Humans were able to communicate orally, without writing. He argues that “oral expression can exist and mostly has existed without any writing at all, writing never without orality” (p. 8). Nevertheless, the invention of writing has revolutionized human communication.

      To deepen and broaden our knowledge of the history of communication and media, Fang (1997) presents six information revolutions: a.) Writing Revolution, b.) Printing Revolution, c.) Mass Media Revolution, d.) Entertainment Revolution, e.) Communication Toolshed Home Revolution, and f.) Information Highway Revolution.  Each revolution refers to a period in Western history where certain communication technologies arrived and influenced the way the world works. Information revolutions show us the developments of communication and media technologies—from traditional media (radio, TV, and print) to new media (computer and the internet). Such developments have been facilitated through the process of media convergence or “the merging of previously distinct media technologies and platforms through digitization and computer networking” (Gasher, 2019, para. 1).

       Learning outcomes:

       At the end of this section, you should be able to:

      1. trace the evolution of communication and media;
      2. discuss the role and power of communication in shaping culture and society; and
      3. apply a dialogic perspective on communication and media in your role as shapers of culture and influencers of society

       Read

       Read pp. 1-15 of Orality and Literacy: The Technologizing of the Word by Walter Ong  (2002)

       Watch

       Abe Aboud. (2014 September 9). Walter Ong – Oral Cultures and Early Writing.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvF30zFImuo

       Think

       Study questions:

      1. What are the differences between orality and literacy?
      2. How is primary orality different from secondary orality?
      3. Why is language an oral phenomenon?
    • Topic 2: Traditional Media, Mass Media, New Media Book

       Let’s Begin

      In this section, we will further learn the evolution and development of communication and media technologies through Fang’s discussion of information revolutions. 

      Read

      Read “What Are Information Revolutions?” (pp. xv-xxxiv) of A History of Mass Communication: Six Information Revolutions by Irving Fang (1997).

      Think

      Study questions:

      1. How is an information revolution defined?

          2. How do you think these information revolutions affect human communication?

          3. Do you think we are experiencing a new information revolution? If yes, what will you call it and why?

    • Topic 3: Media Convergence and Blurring of Genres Book

       Let’s Begin

      In discussing the shared characteristics of the six information revolutions, Fang (1997) mentioned: “Each is based upon the invention of more than one tool of communication, such as papyrus and the phonetic alphabet, paper and printing, or television and satellites. Their convergences have had powerful effects” (p. xviii). We could therefore conclude that media convergence has been happening since the ancient times. As digital technology emerges, conventional boundaries among different media continues to blur.

      Read

      Read Chapter 10 – The Internet and the World Wide Web (pp. 231-261) of Introduction to Mass Communication: Media Literacy and Culture (8th ed.) by Stanley Baran (2014).

      Watch

      Watch Media Convergence, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lcUKjGKiEw

      Watch Media Convergence – Explained, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV6rp7RCZw8&t=104s

      Think

      Study questions:

      1. Do you think media convergence leads to the democratization of media?
      2. How does media convergence empower (or disempower) individuals?
      3. How does media convergence affect culture and society?
    • Infographic (Considered as one "other requirement") Assignment
      Opened: Sunday, 18 August 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Monday, 19 August 2024, 11:59 PM

      Activity Guide

      1. Choose and read on one information revolution from the list below. 

                 a. Writing Revolution (pp. 1-17)

                 b. Printing Revolution (pp. 18-42)

                 c. Mass Media Revolution (pp. 43-100)

                d. Entertainment Revolution (pp. 101-137)

                e. Communication Toolshed Home Revolution (pp. 138-188)

                 f. Information Highway Revolution (pp. 189-238)

           2.  After reading, illustrate creatively through a poster what transpired during

                 the information revolution of your choice.

       

           3.  Write a short paragraph summarizing the information revolution.

       

           4.  Save your work in PDF  and upload it in the VLE using the file name:

                  InfoRev SECTION SURNAME

                 Example: InfoRev MHB SALAZAR

            5.  The work should be submitted on 19 August 2024.

  • Module 2: RHETORIC AND THE LOGIC OF PERSUASION

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    • Topic 1: The Rhetorical Situation Book

       Let’s Begin

                                                Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.

                                                                                                                  -Plato

       

      The first communication lens through which you shall be critically examining social issues and concerns in local and global contexts is Rhetoric.

       Public persuasive presentations have the potential to influence people to take concrete steps in addressing social problems. A speech presented in a social gathering, a video that went viral, or a lecture in class can so move the listeners that it results in a change in they way they think or act. What goes into a situation that allows for public persuasive presentations and discussions to take place? This section will provide you with an understanding of the rhetorical situation and its components. 

       

      Learning Outcomes:

       After studying this section, you should be able to:

      1. explain the importance of rhetoric in communication;
      2. discuss the elements of a rhetorical situation; and
      3. examine the use of rhetoric in the discourse around social issues.

       Read

      Read Lloyd Bitzer’s (1968) essay on “The Rhetorical Situation.” 

       Think

      1. What is Bitzer’s definition of a rhetorical situation?
      2. What are the different aspects of a rhetorical situation?
      3. Identify three top issues you encounter today or the past week that you think warrant rhetorical discourse?

       Dig deeper

       Condor, S., Tileaga, C., & Billig, M. (2013). Political Rhetoric.  In L. Huddy, D.

                 Sears, & J. Levy  (Eds),  

       Oxford Handbook of Political Psychology (pp.262-297). Oxford University

                Press.

       Zappen, J. (2005). Toward an Integrated Theory. Technical Communication

                 Quarterly,    14(3), pp. 319-325.

    • Integrative Paper on a Rhetorical Situation (Group Paper) Assignment
      Opened: Wednesday, 9 October 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Thursday, 10 October 2024, 11:59 PM

      Groupings

      1. Watch the video “Union: Mass resignation of PH health workers in private sector possible” via the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY4DD8jw6jk .

       2. Write an integrative paper that contains your analysis of one rhetorical situation in the news video using Lloyd Bitzer’s (1968) essay “The Rhetorical Situation.”  In your paper, you should be able to:

                  a. Identify one rhetorical situation from the news video;

                  b. Write your thesis or major argument about the chosen rhetorical

                       situation (On your own, you should be able to discern what constituent of the rhetorical 

                       situation should be the basis of your thesis or argument.); 

                  c. Explain why the chosen scene or situation is rhetorical using ideas

                      from Lloyd Bitzer’s (1968) essay;

                  d. Mention specific ideas from the reading material by Bitzer and the 

                      corresponding scene from the news video as you analyze your

                      chosen rhetorical situation; and  

                   e. Be clear and concise with your synthesis of the major ideas in the

                       reading material and scenes from the news video as you push for

                       the major argument of your paper. 

      3. Write your integrative paper in at most 1000 words. Use Times New Roman, font 12, double space, and a standard margin of 1 inch on all sides.

      4. After the essay, write the names of the group members in alphabetical order, surnames first. 

      5. Save your integrative essay in PDF using the file name YOUR GROUP Integrative P  and  upload it in the Google Drive Folder on October 10, 2024.

      Evaluation Criteria

      Your integrative essay is to be graded based on the following scoring system:

      Rhetorical situation                                           5 points

      Thesis/major argument in the paper               5 points

      Explanation of the components of 

                  the rhetorical situation                         15 points

      Synthesis of the ideas from the reading 

                   material and scenes from the

                    news video                                          15 points

      Language and mechanics                                10 points

                                                                                 __________   

                                                                                   50 points

    • Topic 2: Political Rhetoric Book

      Let’s Begin

      Martin Luther King, Benigno Aquino, and Winston Churchill are names that have been etched in the minds and hearts of their respective fellowmen. Their well-known speeches had changed the course of their nation’s history. 

      If you have watched or listened to Senate or Committee hearings, you would find a rich source of examples of how arguments raised by our lawmakers can influence the decision of their fellow lawmakers in particular and the Filipino citizens in general. You may have been in awe of how some Congressional Representatives or Senators were able to convincingly put forth their arguments in support of or in opposition to the proposed resolution of a case. 

      Aristotle argued that there are three standards or modes of persuasion, the most potent among them is Ethos or the character of the speaker. Condor et al., (2013) identified strategies on how speakers can communicate their sincerity and trustworthiness to their audience. 

      Learning Outcomes:

       After studying this section, you should be able to:

      1. identify the different persuasive strategies;
      2. analyze persuasive strategies used in political speeches and advertisements;
      3. identify the strategies used by speakers to achieve consubstantiality with the audience; and
      4. analyze how the strategies to achieve consubstantiality were used in political campaign speeches.

       Read

      Read pages 276 - 282 of Condor et al.’s (2013), chapter on political rhetoric.

       Think

      1. What were the persuasive strategies mentioned in the chapter?
      2. Of these strategies, which have you encountered during political campaigns (in school, or in local or national elections)?
      3. Were the strategies effective for you? Why or why not?

       Dig deeper

      Duterte’s political rhetoric and the masses. Retrieved from: https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/08/07/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/dutertes-political-rhetoric-and-the-masses/751599/

       

      Activity guide

       Individual work

       Choose two political ads from past local/national elections. Identify the appeal/s and strategy/ies used by the political candidate in each of the two political advertisements. Evaluate the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the appeals and strategies used by the candidate.

       

      Sample political advertisements

      Retrieved from: https://rappler.com/nation/elections/political-ads-poe-roxas-villanueva-tolentino-hontiveros-moreno

      Retrieved from: https://rappler.com/nation/elections/memorable-effective-political-ads

      Retrieved from: https://philnews.ph/2013/05/10/grace-poe-profile-bios-platform-senatorial-candidate-28/ 

      Assignment guide

       Task: A comparative and contrastive analysis of two campaign speeches

       Procedure:

       Tools and resources:

      Youtube videos 

      Watch: Why Grace Poe is running for President 

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCdCKw0ZFD8

       

      Watch: 

      Duterte’s final word: Stop and obey the law

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZRQMwJDUjI

       

      Instructions:

       

      After reading Condor et al.,’s essay and watching the two videos, write a comparative and contrastive analysis of the two political speeches guided by the following questions:

      1. How and to what extent did each speaker exhibit the following:

        a. Taking and avoiding sidesExplicit appeals to common in-group membership
        b. Constructing aspirational identities  
        c.Implicit displays of rhetorical alignment.

      2. Which of these strategies do you think was well employed? Why do you think so? Overall, would you say that the speech was enough to persuade you? Why or why  not?

       

      Evaluation criteria

      Scoring guide/rubric

      Criterion

      Needs Improvement

      Satisfactory

      Good

      Very Good

      Excellent

      Content      (70 points)

      (0 points)        

      None of the strategies is correctly identified 

      (36-49 points)

      One of the strategies correctly identified and supported by texts cited from the speech

      (50-62 points)

      Two of the strategies correctly identified and supported by texts cited from the speech

      (63-67 points)

      Three of the strategies correctly identified and supported by texts cited from the speech

      (68-70 points)

      Four of the strategies are correctly identified and supported by texts cited from the speech

      Organization

      (15 points)

      (0 points)

      None of ideas are misplaced in the sequence of presentation

      (9 points)       Half the number of ideas are misplaced in the sequence of presentation

      (10-12 points) Four or five ideas are misplaced in the sequence of presentation

      (13-14 points)Two or three ideas are misplaced in the sequence of presentation

      (15 points)       All the ideas are appropriately sequenced

      Language   (15 points)

      (0 points)           16 and above grammatical errors

      (9 points)         11-15 grammatical errors

      (10-12 points)  7-10 grammatical errors

      (13-14 points)             4-6 grammatical errors

      (15 points)      No or very minimal (1-3) grammatical errors

       

    • Topic 3: Digital Rhetoric Book

      Let’s Begin

      In a social context, digital technology introduces you to neighbors of the mind – people who are separated by distance, but close to you in thought and interest

                                                                                                                                                                     Nick Harkaway

      Digital technology has broken the barriers of time and space. Those who have access to technology can get information from different sources wherever and whenever without having to be dependent on local TV network programming or the availability of local newspaper broadsheets. 

      The ubiquity of digital technology has transformed not only the way we receive information but also how we provide it. We need to be mindful of the nuances of language and content shared in digital spaces. The same holds true in the field of Rhetoric. The way classical rhetoric was practiced by the Greeks and Romans had certainly changed significantly due to the advent of technology.

       Learning Outcomes:

       After studying this section, you should be able to:

      1. explain the characteristics of communication in digital spaces;
      2. define digital rhetoric; and
      3. explain how the canons of classical rhetoric apply to digital texts.

       Read:

      Zappen’s journal article “Digital Rhetoric: Toward an Integrated Theory”

      Think

      After reading Zappen’s article, answer the following questions:

      1. How does persuasion work in online communication? How are the rhetorical strategies of persuasion deployed in online spaces?
      2. How do computer programs function as persuasive technology?
      3. How do the processes of identity and community formation on social media affect rhetorical practice online?

       Dig deeper

      Further Reading

      Hodgson, J., & Barnett, S. (2016) Introduction: What is Rhetorical about Digital Rhetoric? Perspectives and

                 Definitions of Digital Rhetoric. Retrieved from: http://enculturation.net/what-is-rhetorical-about-digital-

                 rhetoric

      Activity guide

      Zappen outlined the characteristics of digital communication, its affordances, and constraints. How are these evident in the realm of social media? It is time for you to take a closer look at a form of digital communication.

      Individual work:

      1. Select a video or tweet that went viral. Briefly describe the subject of that viral video or tweet.

          2. Analyze the viral video or tweet with respect to the characteristics (with its affordances and constraints) of digital communication.

  • Module 3: COMMUNICATION AND IDENTITY CONSTRUCTION

    dreamstime.com

    • Topic 1: What is Identity? Book

      Let’s begin​

      “Identity is the everyday word for people's sense of who they are It is about sameness with others and uniqueness of the self.”

                                                                                 Paulin Djite

       

      As social beings, this sense of oneself is formed through our interactions with others; it is not stable and unitary but shifting and multiple. The first text for this module provides a communicative approach to identity. The Communication Theory of Identity (CTI) developed by Michael Hecht and his colleagues is predicated on the notion that identity is a social process. 

      Learning Outcome:  After the activity, you should be able to explain the process of identity construction in and through communication.

      Read​

      Hecht, ML. (2009). Communication Theory of Identity. In SW Littlejohn & KA Foss (eds), Encyclopedia of Communication Theory, pp. 139-141. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. 

      Think

      Answer the following study questions (Questions 2-5 are lifted from “Module 3: Communication and Identity Construction,” n.d., p. 3)

      1. What are the core assumptions of CTI?
      2. How is identity a social process? 
      3. How is identity constructed through communication? What are the processes in identity construction in and through communication?
      4. What is the layered or framed perspective on identity? What does each frame encompass? 
      5. How do the frames interpenetrate? Can you think of a situation that shows interpenetration between and among identity frames? 

       Dig Deeper

      Jung, E & Hecht, ML. (2004). Elaborating the communication theory of identity: Identity gaps and  

                    communication outcomes. Communication Quarterly, 52, 265-283.

       

      Andreouli, E. (2010). Identity, positioning and self-other relations. Papers on Social Representations,

                     19, 14.1-14.13.

    • Topic 2: The Process of Identity Construction Book

      Let’s begin​

      The previous text asserts that the countless interactions we have with people other than ourselves have a lot to do with how our identity is constructed. At the same time, CTI also implies that identity is fluid rather than fixed. It is embedded in our conceptions of ourselves, our actions, our relationships, and our social affiliations, and it is produced, refashioned, and continually negotiated through interaction and social performances.

      Learning Outcome: After having gone through this activity, you should be able to  analyze issues in the construction of personal identities.

      Watch (Link 1) and Read​ (Link 2)

       Erving Goffman and the Performed Self

      From BBC Radio 4

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z0XS-QLDWM

       

      Adam Barnhart’s short commentary on Goffman’s theory 

      http://www.dinicola.it/sit/Erving%20Goffman%20The%20Presentation%20of%20Self%20in%20Everyday%20Life.htm

      Think​

      Answer the following study questions:

      1. How did Goffman employ a dramaturgical approach in studying identity?
      2. In Barnhart’s commentary, why is impression management seemingly more crucial for marginalized individuals?
      3. How does one make sense of the concept of “spontaneity” if the “front” is assumed to function in a general and fixed fashion? 

      Dig Deeper

       Impression Management. In SW Littlejohn & KA Foss (eds), Encyclopaedia of Communication

                  Theory, pp. 506-509. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage  Publications, Inc. 

       Goffman, E. (1956). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. University of Edinburgh Social

                  Sciences Research Centre, George Square, Edinburgh 8 Monograph No. 2

    • Topic 3: Collective Identities Book

      Let’s begin​

      From the perspectives of Hecht and Goffman, we now view the construction of our identities as highly influenced by our social groups. As such, individuals internalize societal norms and practices that result in collective identities such as  racial and ethnic identity, national identity, religious identity, and organizational identity. These identities are then believed to be shaped by power dynamics in society. The notion of positioning may be relevant in understanding this process of social identity construction evident in identity politics.  

      Learning Outcome:  After this activity, you should be able to analyze issues in the construction of collective identities.

       Read​

       Andreouli, E. (2010). Identity, positioning and self-other relations. Papers on Social  

                   Representations, 19, 14.1-14.13.

       Think​

      Answer the following study questions (lifted from “Module 3: Communication and Identity Construction,” n.d., p. 9)

      1. What is positioning? How does it clarify the relational character of identity? 
      2. How does positioning explain how marginalized groups negotiate and assert their collective identities in asymmetric social relations where they experience discrimination and prejudice? 

       Dig Deeper 

      Martin, JN. & Nakayama, TK. (2010). Identity and intercultural communication. In Intercultural

                 Communication in Contexts (5th ed.) (pp. 161-217). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 

       

      Wodak, R; De Cillia, R; Reisigl, M & Liebhart, K. (1999). The Discursive Construction of National

                  Identity. Edinburgh, United Kingdom: Edinburgh University Press. 

    • Free Writing Exercise on Identity Construction (Individual Paper) Assignment
      Opens: Wednesday, 23 October 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Thursday, 24 October 2024, 11:59 PM

      1. In a maximum of 1000 words, write about the dimensions of your identity based on what    

          you have learned about the process of identity construction. Make sure to integrate 

          insights from the reading materials in your essay. 

       

      2. Save your work in PDF using the file name Identity YOUR SURNAME and upload it in the Google Drive folder on October 24, 2024.

  • Module 4: COMMUNICATION AND REPRESENTATION

    capstonepub.com

    • Topic 1: Theories of Representation Book

      Let’s Begin:

      Liza Soberano was bashed for equating being Filipino with sinigang. Prince Harry of England had to apologize for wearing the swastika symbol during a private party. Robert Downey, Jr. was cancelled by social justice warriors for playing a character that wore black face in the movie “Tropic Thunder.” The movie “Black Panther” became a symbol of celebration for the Black community even if it portrayed a nation that was totally fictitious. The source of the conflict in the movie “Arrival” was when aliens used the word “weapon” when they actually meant “tool.” The word “nigger” when used among blacks is a term of community but should a non-block use it then expect a fight.

      What do the scenarios have in common?  They are all concerned about Representation. The scenarios are illustrations of how representation plays a very important role in communication; particularly in the communication of ideas and concepts.

      Learning Outcome: After this activity, you should be able to discuss the theories of Representation and their relationship with Culture and Communication.

      Read

      Chapter 1 of The Work of Representation by Stuart Hall which is available through this link: http://www2.hawaii.edu/~noenoe/hall1.pdf

      Think

      Answer the following questions (The first three questions are from Module 4 of Comm 10: Communication and Representation):

       

      1. Why are signs and symbols important? 

      2. How do the theories of representation differ from each other? 

      3. Who are the key scholars of representation and what are their contributions to the 

           understanding of representation?

      4. Choose one scenario mentioned in the Let’s Begin section and discuss your feelings 

          And views regarding your choice. How is representation manifested in the situation?

      Dig Deeper

      Lacey, N. (1998). Semiotics. Image and Repesentation: Key Concepts in Media Studies (pp.56-

                  75). Palgrave Macmillan.

    • Topic 2: Media and Representation Book

      Let’s Begin

      American Actress Claire Danes got the Filipinos’ ire when she said that Manila was full of squalor and cockroaches. Film director Brilliante Mendoza became an international sensation for his use of poverty porn with the Philippines as setting. American author Dan Brown once angered Filipinos because he described Manila as the “gates of hell” in one of his novels. In the foreign TV show “90 Day Fiance,” one of the most popular couples was No Neck Ed and Rose, an American and a Filipina. They became popular because of the conflict they had that revolved around Ed’s suspicion that Rose was only using him to get a green card and a good life in the US. Recently, the Philippines was described by a Thai newspaper as the “land of Covid-19.” 

      With all the aforementioned scenarios, a typical Filipino can’t help thinking whether the Philippines is being represented accurately by various forms of media especially those based abroad. National pride is, of course, at stake. With an inaccurate portrayal of our country, there will be serious implications. A Filipino travelling abroad is usually met with suspicion in immigration counters around the world. A foreign tourist arriving for the first time in the Philippines is usually warned not to trust people in the streets. 

      In this section we will discuss how representation in media can affect society. We will see how representation in media can influence our perspective about cultures and other societies.

      Learning Outcome:  After this lesson, you should be able to discuss the relationship between media and representation.

      Read

      “Social Inequality and Media Representation” by Croteau and Hoynes in Media/Society: Industries, Images, and Audiences, pp. 195-227

      Think

      Answer the following questions: 

      1)     How have the mainstream media become a tool for the dissemination of racial, ethnic, gender-based, and class inequalities? 

      2)     How do dominant ideologies influence the images communicated through the mass media? 

      3)      What is your opinion about the writers’ conclusion about this role of the media?

      Dig Deeper

      Angeles, Vivienne S.M. (2010). “Moros in the Media and Beyond: Representations of Philippine

                 Muslims.” Contemporary Islam 4, no.1, 29-53. Available online:

                 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11562-009-0100-4 

      Austria, Fernando A. (2007). “Gays, the Internet, and Freedom.” Plaridel 4, no.1, 47-76. Available

                 online: http://www.plarideljournal.org/article/gays-the-internet-and-freedom/ 

      Cañete, Reuben R. 2005. “Bench Underwear Ads and the Male Body.” Plaridel 2, no. 2, 69-92.

                  Available online: http://www.plarideljournal.org/article/bench-underwear-adsand-the-male-

                  body/

    • Essay on Representation (Group Essay) Assignment
      Opens: Wednesday, 13 November 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Thursday, 14 November 2024, 11:59 PM

      Essay 2

      1. In 1000 words, write an essay on the representation of social media for a happy life using  the

          constructionist perspective. 

      2. After the essay, write the names of group members, surnames first.

      3. Save your essay in PDF using the file name  Representation GROUP NO. _____ (SURNAMES, FIRST NAMES) and upload it in the Google Drive folder on 14 November 2024.

      Evaluation Criteria for the Essay

      Your essay is to be graded based on the following scoring system:              

             Thesis/major argument in the paper              10 points

              Explanation of the student’s  insights 

                       backed up by a theory                           20 points

               Synthesis of the ideas from the reading 

                        material and the student’s insights       5 points

                Language and mechanics                            15 points

                                                                                         50 points

  • Module 5: LOW- AND HIGH- CONTEXT CULTURES

    pngwing.com

    • Topic 1: High- and Low-Context Cultures Book

      Let’s Begin

      One way or another, we have all experienced some form of contact with another culture, be it direct (e.g., travel, business transactions) or indirect (e.g., watching a foreign film). Because such encounters are normal in our lives as globalized citizens, it is important for us to learn about intercultural communication. 

      Our text provides a framework for explaining how one culture differs from another. (Tip: If a foreign friend ever complains to you about Filipino time, you can use this as a reference.) 

      Learning Outcome: After the lesson, you should be able to differentiate communication in high- and low-context cultures. 

      Read 

      Read pp. 3-31 of Understanding Cultural Differences by Edward T. Hall and Mildred Reed (1990), available at the UPM VLE.

      Think 

      Answer the following study questions lifted from “Module 5: Communication and culture,” n.d., p. 2:

      1. What kinds of stimuli are defined by context? 
      2. How are these stimuli different in high and low context cultures? 

      3. Give examples coming from your own experiences. 

    • Topic 2: Filipino Communicative Behavior Book

      Let’s Begin

      When we compare how different cultures communicate, as we did in our previous exercise, we become more aware of our own ways of communication. In this lesson, we build on that awareness as we turn to Filipinos’ communicative behaviors. 

      Learning Outcome: After this activity, you should be able to analyze Filipino communicative behavior. 

      Read 

      Chapter 1, “Mga katutubong pamamaraan ng interpersonal na komunikasyon” in Pahiwatig: Kagawiang pangkomunikasyon ng Filipino by Melba Maggay (available in the UPM VLE) 

      Think 

      Answer the following study questions (lifted with modifications from “Module 5: Communication and culture,” n.d., pp. 7-8):

      1. Which of the 10 indigenous Filipino ways of interpersonal communication 

           that Maggay discusses do you often find yourself and/or people you know 

           engaging in? 

       2. What are the motivations for these interpersonal communication behaviors?  

         What are the drawbacks or the problems that arise from this way of  

          communicating? 

      3. The communication behaviors that Maggay describes can be observed in oral and

           face-to-face interpersonal interactions. Are there manifestations of these in written and 

           online communication behaviors of Filipinos, for example on social media? Cite examples. 

       

  • Module 6: INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

    transenter.com

    • Topic 1: Verbal Communication Book

      Let’s Begin 

      Verbal communication refers to the reception, storage, retrieval, manipulation, and generation of linguistic symbols. Communicative misunderstanding, which is defined as “a potential breakdown point in conversation, or at least a kind of communicative turbulence” by Mauranen (2006, p. 128), is usually perceived as a problem in verbal communication and more specifically, in the interpretation of what is said by one or the other party. According to Bremer (1996), a problem in communication arises when “the listener achieves an interpretation, which makes sense to him or her — but it wasn’t the one the speaker meant” (Bremer, 1996, p. 40). This mismatch between the speaker’s meaning and the hearer’s interpretation is attributed by Hua (2014) to two factors: inadequate linguistic proficiency and pragmatic mismatch which results in pragmatic failure. 

      Read

      1. https://www.wellspanphilhaven.org/Portals/0/Docs/Nonverbal%20Communication.pdf

      2.  Communication styles. (n.d.). From    

           https://moniviestin.jyu.fi/ohjelmat/hum/viesti/en/ics/20   

      Think  

      1. What is individualism and/or collectivism? What is the difference between individualism and

          collectivism? 

      2. What are self-construals? What are examples of self-construals? 

      3. How does individualism-collectivism impact on behavior? 

      4. What did the authors hypothesize and find out about the relationship between individualism-

           collectivism, self-construals, and communication styles? 

      5. What practical applications might these results have for cultural groups who are not mentioned in

           the study? 

    • Topic 2: Nonverbal Communication Book

      Let’s begin

      Although language is an effective and efficient means of communicating explicit messages, a full appreciation of the communication process especially in intercultural interactions requires consideration of nonverbal communication behavior. Nonverbal behaviors include all actions that take place during communication that do not use words, such as facial expressions, eye gaze, posture, use of space, and even tone of voice. 

      Watch/Read  

      1. Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1969). The repertoire of nonverbal behavior: Categories, origins, usage, and coding. Semiotica, 1(1), pp. 49 – 98. 

      From https://1ammce38pkj41n8xkp1iocwe-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp- content/uploads/2013/07/The-Repertoire-Of-Nonverbal-Behavior-Categories- Origins-.pdf  

      2. Hall, E. T. (1982). The hidden dimension. Anchor Books.  

      From http://index- of.es/z0ro-Repository-2/Cyber/03%20- %20General%20Science/The%20Hidden%20Dimension%20- %20Edward%20Hall.pdf 

      3. Hall, E. T. (1959). The silent language. 

           From https://monoskop.org/images/5/57/Hall_Edward_T_The_Silent_Language.pdf

      Think

      1. What did Ekman and Friesen say about the usage and origin of nonverbal behavior? How did they elaborate on the cultural origins of nonverbal behavior? 

      2. How did they categorize nonverbal behavior? 

      3. What did Hall say about space? How does space take on different meanings across cultures? 

      4. How does space impact on the other categories or forms of nonverbal behaviors? In Hall’s treatise, it appears that space is the thread that shapes and links the other nonverbal behaviors. What is your stand on his proposition? 

      5. Ekman et al. and Hall wrote their treatise on nonverbal behavior and their communicative implications in the 1960s. Society has changed since then. Given the fact that culture is dynamic, do you think that their conceptualizations of nonverbal communication is still an adequate framework of analysis in the present time? Why do you say so? If no, which part needs to be re-examined today? 

    • Topic 3: Towards Intercultural Praxis Book

      Let’s begin  

      Aside from the clashes of meanings brought about by different cultural frameworks, there are bigger issues in intercultural communication that stem from a lack of understanding of other cultures. These include anxiety, ethnocentrism, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. We consider these to be bigger issues as they do no only stem from and result in misunderstood meanings; rather they impact negatively on relationships between cultures and, at their worst, may be the source of intercultural conflicts with serious socio-political consequences. 

      Watch/Read  

      1. Sorrels, K. (2016). Intercultural communication globalization and social   justice (Second edition). Sage. 

      From https://canvas.umn.edu/courses/137772/files/8254102/download?download_ frd= 1 

      2. SpringboardSchools. (2008, July 14). The lunch date [Video]. YouTube. 

      From https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epuTZigxUY8&t=5s

      Think

      Link 1: 

      1. Sorrells proposes a re-imagination of intercultural communication in the age of globalization. How is it a re-imagination and why is it necessary to propose it? 

      2. What did she say about intercultural praxis? What are the important considerations in intercultural praxis? 

      Link 2: 

      1. What does the short film suggest the older White woman had been taught about Black American men? And what does the short film suggest the Black  American man had been taught about White Americans? 

      2. What assumptions did the white woman make about the Black American in the diner? What assumptions did the Black American make about the woman? What actions did each of them take based on their assumptions about each other? How did the characters’ assumptions about each other affect their ability to communicate their internal states? 

      3. Consider the man behind the counter who watched the event unfold. What do you think does he stand for in that example of a cultural clash that is reflective of the bigger cultural collisions in our society? 

      4. What barriers in intercultural communication are evident in the interaction between  the two characters in the short film? 

      5. Choose one of the two main characters and propose how Sorrells’ framework for intercultural praxis can be applied to improve the character's communicative encounter. 

    • Multimodal Presentation (Group Work) Assignment
      Opens: Sunday, 24 November 2024, 12:00 AM
      Due: Monday, 25 November 2024, 11:59 PM

      Assignment Guide for the Multimodal Presentation 

       Procedure

      1. This group output is to assess your creative ability to weave the knowledge that you have gained from Modules 5 and 6 through a multimodal presentation, e.g., a video presentation of insights you have gained after studying basic concepts on culture and communication, and their application.To review what a multimodal presentation is, watch this video: Multimodality or search the YouTube for videos on how to create multimodal compositions or presentations.

            2.    The video should be at the maximum 15 minutes long. The group members  should be in the video. PowerPoint presentations may be incorporated in the multimodal    presentations provided that these PowerPoint presentations are accompanied by explanatory voice-overs. The multimodal outputs would have to be saved as a video file. 

            3.   Save your work and submit it to me via the Googl Drive folder. Use the file name 

                  MULTIMODAL PRESENTATION Group ____ (surnames, first names of the   members  of the group).

            4.   The work should be submitted on or before 25 November 2024 and should be ready for  presentation on 25 November and 02 December 2024, depending on the schedule for each group.

      Evaluation Criteria

      CRITERIA

      1 POINT

      3 POINTS

      5 POINTS

      YOUR SCORE

      Organization

      There is no clear plan of staging ideas, i.e., a meaningful sequencing of ideas expressed in the multimodal elements (ME), e.g., photos, videos, graphics, sounds, which contribute to the clear expression of the composition’s overall meaning.

      A plan of staging ideas can be sensed but it does not prepare the viewer for the receiving the main content of the composition.

      There is a clear plan of staging ideas, which contribute to the effective delivery of the composition’s message. 

      Conciseness and Coherence

      There are MEs that prevent a clear delivery of the multimodal composition’s overall meaning. 

      A few of the MEs, do not contribute to the overall meaning of the multimodal composition.

      Each of the MEs serves a clear purpose to deliver the composition’s overall meaning.

      Grammar and style

      There are many unacceptable verbal-text constructions.

      There are a few unacceptable verbal-text constructions.

      The verbal texts are free of grammatical inconsistencies.

      Appropriateness 

      There are MEs that are not appropriate to the genre (e.g., a report, a vlog, presentation) and/or audience (professor and classmates).

      Some MEs are not appropriate to the genre and/or audience.

      Most of the MEs are appropriate to both genre and audience.

      Content and logic

      Most of the arguments are not supported by sound premises. Most of the claims are irrelevant, information are inaccurate, and credible sources are lacking.

      A few of the arguments are not well-supported by sound premises.

      Some of the claims are irrelevant, information are slightly inaccurate, and a few credible sources are provided.

      All the arguments are well-supported by sound premises.

      The composition exhibits a high degree of accuracy and credibility and is of high relevance to the question at hand.

      TOTAL

      /25

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