MEDIA LITERACY IN ACTION: A Supper Seminar sponsored by the Colby College Goldfarb Center for Civic Engagement

Syllabus/Poster

Press Release

Participant Feedback

Over the last decade, technologies supporting media access, production, and distribution have become less expensive, increasingly user-friendly, and pervasively embedded in our culture.  Cell phones, digital cameras, mp3 players, and laptop computers invite us to create and consume information constantly.  While emerging communication technologies receive a lot of attention, it’s not the tools in and of themselves that are most interesting, but what we might be inspired to do once they’re in our hands that’s truly exciting.  Increasingly, convenient access to communications media is inspiring people to create change within their communities and the world.  With this seminar, our hope is to introduce you to a handful of these contemporary media activists, provide an opportunity to hone your media technologies skills, and inspire you toward action of your own.

Resources

Throughout the course of the semester, Tracy and Sara will be available for feedback on your projects.  Digital cameras, both still and video, are available through Media Services.  LRC computers have digital production software available, and LRC staff are happy to help you get started. 

 

Books, articles, and videos are available for your perusal at the reserve desk in Miller Library.  For access to seminar-related resources online, visit the Media Literacy in Action website at: http://www.colby.edu/academics_cs/library/services/instruction/media-literacy.cfm

Join us for dinner and conversation with some of Maine’s most inspiring media-makers.

February 16

    Introduction

February 18

   Craig Saddlemire and Ryan Conrad: The Mess Media Tour—Deinterlaced and Hands-On Digital Media Production

February 23

    Tracy Carrick: Zine Publication

March 16

    Naomi Schalit: Media and Environmental Activism

March 23

    Hillary Lister: Maine Indymedia

April 13

    Charlotte Albright; Radio Documentary

April 20

    Matt Power: Liberty News TV and Public Access Cable

April 27

    Sara Prahl: Digital Storytelling

May 4

    Phyllis Mannocchi: Documentary Film & American Dreams

May 11

    Presentations, Reflections, & New Directions

Participant Presentations

We hope the idea of creating original media grips you with excitement.  Your production doesn’t need to be a masterpiece and may be tied-in to work you are already doing in your community or courses.  You might work alone or with a group to…

 

•    Publish a zine

•    Start a blog, vlog, or podcast

•    Create a digital story

•    Produce an audio narrative

•    Write a letter to the editor of your local paper

 

No piece is too small.  The idea is to taste the thrill of creating your own media and finding an audience for your unique viewpoint.