Week 1

Question 1

What is media?

Answer 1

a constantly changing host of communication systems

Question 2

What are some of the characteristics of media?

Answer 2

It is how we communicate. It reaches large audiences and is profit driven.

Question 3

Define culture

Answer 3

the complex of values, customs, beliefs and practices which constitute the way of life of a specific group.

Question 4

What are the four distinct meanings of culture?

Answer 4

1. Individual habit of mind
2. state of intellectual development of a whole society
3. the arts
4. whole way of life of a group of people

Question 5

What did Kellner think about media culture?

Answer 5

It was very commercial and for mass audiences. It is the dominant culture, more important than other institutions. The material is not offensive but can break convention. It was not just a mere tool of establishment.

Question 6

What are Kellner’s five core assumptions about the media?

Answer 6

1. All media messages are constructed
2. Media messages are constructed using creative language with its own rules
3. Different people experience the same media message differently
4. Media have embedded values and points of view
5. media are organized to gain profit and power