Announcements Again

Hi! I missed seeing everyone last Thursday.

I hope that all the orals pairs are starting to prepare for the exam in two weeks' time. Students usually feel very anxious over oral exams because it's very stage-y. But really, as long as you come prepared, you should do fine.

You will be graded on your ability to tackle each question with both depth and breadth. You are expected to know the topic/issue the thesis statement refers to, what issue regarding the media it is able to explain, its strengths and weaknesses, etc. You should be able to "break down" each thesis statement to its key concepts, e.g., discuss what "critical examination" means, discuss what "the media" means, discuss "representation," discuss "double meaning," then link all these together. At the same time, you are expected to display integrative thinking: the ability to link the thesis statement to other concepts discussed in class (from different lectures) or even outside of class. And so, you can see that the oral exam is also a site of creative expression, as you should bring in your own thoughts and experiences with the media in reflecting on each question. Surprise the examiners with unusual examples to clarify your arguments. Remember that the examiners are not expecting template answers; there are no right or wrong answers--only critical and uncritical, creative and uncreative answers. Remember that the examiners would be listening to around 40 pairs tackle the same questions over and over again. Make your 15 minutes of fame memorable, as they are grading you in comparison with other students in class.

You are graded separately. But orals pairs that work well together and are able to build on each other's statements would of course be more effective. Moments of dead air should be avoided, as of course you open yourself up to the tricky follow-up questions from the examiners.

Again, you are free to select from four out of the ten thesis statements. And the examiners will select two out of the four.

SCHEDULE
On Tuesday, August 21, we are having the seminar to discuss Leloy's lecture. There will be also be a graded class activity with your orals partner where you will be asked to do a textual analysis of a TV ad. I am also giving tips for the oral exams during this session. Not to be missed.

Finally, we are moving the lecture on American Mass Communication Research to the week after the orals. And so, we are dropping thesis statement 5 from the oral exams.