Wednesday, March 7 - In class Assignment

Thanks to my brother, Joseph for writing this project up. It's a good one!

Some of you have seen the KONY 2012 documentary. Most of you have probably seen links or references to it on Facebook. Today, we will be watching it on our computers. If you have already seen it, then you may either watch it again or respond in depth to the questions below. If you are watching it for the first time in class today, you will probably not have time to finish your post. Your post will be due by Wednesday, March 14 at 2.30 pm (before class begins). Come to class tomorrow prepared to discuss.

Post: KONY 2012
Labels: documentary, Question of the Day, critical thinking, mass media

1. Summarize the documentary KONY 2012 in one paragraph. What is it about? (one paragraph)
2. Why did the filmmaker choose to make this film? What does he hope to achieve? What is his specific goal and what is his strategy for making it happen? (1-2 paragraphs)
3. What is your personal opinion on the strategy he is using to raise awareness? Is it effective? At some point, people get tired of seeing "the same old posts" about an issue. Some of you have already asked the question "what's the point of this video?" What is the point? Even if you're personally tired of seeing links and posts about it, do you think there is value in saturating the media like the film proposes? What would you do different? (1-2 paragraphs)
4. What do you think about about the idea of making a "bad person a celebrity?" Are there any negatives to this approach? (one paragraph)
5. What is the difference between raising awareness and between a call to action?
6. What is an issue you feel strongly about - strongly enough that you would want to not only raise awareness, but call people to action? Be specific - in other words, don't just choose a topic like 'eliminate world hunger.' It doesn't have to be a global issue, but it should be a specific, definable one where you are proposing a specific solution. What is a specific way to focus on that topic? Ask yourself the following questions:
   What is the issue?
   Where is it?
   Who are the people affected?
   Why should people care about this issue?
   What can people like you do to solve the problem; to help? What specifically can people do?
   How could you use the media to call attention to the issue? How can you get people's attention?

Fun Work | March 14

Hello my friends.

In case you missed me saying it the last few times, I'm seriously proud of you all for how tremendous you were in planning/preparing for last weeks church service at Bridgecity. Thanks for being thoughtful in your thinking and speaking candidly in front of so many people!

We've had a bit of a hiatus with our regular class coursework and assignments so we're going to pick things back up here over the next couple of weeks. I'm going to be in Hollywood, CA from March 15-26 for work and to visit family so unfortunately I won't be with you Wednesday, March 21. With that said, we are going to spend some time on a multi-week long project that I'd like for you to work on.

Here's what we're doing until we meet again on March 28.

1. Self Portraits. Take one self-portrait every day that shows your emotions and happenings of that day. This doesn't mean that you simply take one photo and call it good. Plan it out, what are you going to wear? How might your environment juxtapose whatever type of mood you are in/how you're feeling? Take several photos and only after viewing them on your computer should you choose your best photograph. EVERY image absolutely must be in focus and properly exposed at bear minimum.

Let me repeat that, every image HAS to be in focus and properly exposed. You guys are far enough along now that this shouldn't be a problem. I'll be able to tell if you put time and thought into your photographs, please don't let me down!

When we come to class on March 28, you should have a total of 21 photographs. That means that starting today and through Tuesday, March 27 you will have completed and edited image that you've chosen for each day. I will gather all of your images for print on March 28 and the following week (April 4), you will all organize and place your images onto a white or black foamcore background for display.

So in summary, here's what you need:

March 28: 21 complete and edited photographs by the beginning of class to hand off to Jonny.

April 4: Bring to class one foamcore background. Size should be roughly 24x36. Also bring supplies for mounting and labeling such as a glue stick and permanent markers.

I'm looking forward to seeing what your creative minds produce!