MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 1 Discussion
DQ1 Introduction
Hello and welcome!! We will start off presenting yourself to each other. Please describe your background, and your goals in learning from this class.
DQ2 Media Literacy and Media Convergence
2a. Describe and explain how do the components of the New Media Literacy Theoretical Framework explained by the Lin, T., Li, J., Deng, F. &  Lee, L. (2013) relate to the phenomenon of media convergence as discussed by Henry Jenkins.
2b. Identify a topic for your signature assignment and briefly discuss why you want to investigate psychological foundations of the media literacy topic you have chosen (choose from the following):
 •          Body image and advertising
•           Representation of women in media
•           Representation of minorities in media
•           Representation of LGBT in media
•           Drug use in popular film and its effects on youth
•           The major issues surrounding political advertising and political campaigns
•           Effectiveness of fear tactics in editorial advertising
•           Depiction of violence in sports media and graphic enhancements in print advertising
•           Ethics in journalism
•           The relationship between popular music and culture
•           Social media as a catalyst for change
•           Another media related topic (where you can include arguments on why it is currently relevant and impacts society)
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 2 Discussion
DQ1 Music Shaping Social and Cultural Norms
Does modern popular and rock music still comment and shape moral and cultural standards in the 21st century? If your answer is yes, identify and explain at least one song from the last 3 years that comments and shaped moral and cultural standards in the last 3 years. If you answer is no, please speculate why modern popular and rock music has lost its cultural significance in the 21st century.
DQ2 The Psychological Advantages and Disadvantages of having music in our lives
Based on the research claims of the article “Introduction: Perspectives on the power of music” (Hallam & MacDonald, 2013), please describe and explain any benefits of music that you have experienced in your own life or experienced by a person who you may know.   
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 3 Discussion
DQ1 Television as a Cultural Reference Point
After reading Are You Media Literate? (2014) and watching the video Media Literacy Explained (2016), explain how asking key questions (such as, “Who created this message?” or “Why is this message being sent?”) can encourage critical thinking skills as it relates to all forms of media.
DQ2 Television as a Cultural Reference Point
Do you believe media literacy should be taught in the schools as part of the curriculum for all children? Why or why not?
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 4 Discussion
DQ1 Movies and Global Culture
How and why do U.S. films change their marketing strategies for various countries and cultures?
DQ2 Movies and Global Culture
How might “filter bubbles” influence peoples’ attitudes and beliefs?
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 5 Discussion
DQ1 Psychological Impact of Internet Usage
After reviewing the background materials for this module, what do you believe are the implications of social media on interpersonal relationships and mental health?
DQ2 The Benefits of Social Media
What benefits can social media provide individuals and societies? How can social media be used in a positive way?
 
 
 
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 6 Discussion
DQ1 Product Placement
When working through the challenge of intrusiveness of online video advertisement, what do you think are the cognitive and social consequences upon the general public?  To what degree does integrity play a role in product placement strategies?  Explain.
DQ2 Public Relations
Discuss how the overall public relations campaign of Volkswagen to repair its brand after the 2015 diesel cheating scandal influences your trust and confidence with the company. In the future, are you still likely to buy a Volkswagen car because of this scandal? Why or why not?
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 7 Discussion
DQ1 Society’s Expectations of Media
1a. What are some of society’s key expectations of its media organizations?
1b. In your opinion, are these expectations being met?  Be sure to give clear examples to illustrate your opinion.
DQ2 The Ethics of Journalism
Why are the 5 principles of ethical journalism so important? What impact might breaking any of those principles have?
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 8 Discussion
DQ1 Social Media for Social Change
Explain at least one recent social cause that was spearheaded or triggered by a social media campaign. What do you think were the limitations of the social media campaign to produce lasting psychological, social or organizational change related to the social cause that you identified?
DQ2 Future Tends of Mass Media Influences on the field of Psychology
Provide recommendations to psychologists in devising proper media campaigns and media literacy education in order to keep the general public informed about the dynamic nature of the mass media and technology landscape in the near future.
 
 
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 4 Assignment
Case Assignment
The Case Assignment for this course will be a 5-8 page essay (excluding cover page and references) that provides well thought responses to the following questions about the impact of United States mass media market on the shaping and forming the opinions, values and behaviors of the general population:
1) Does the phenomenon of media convergence improve or degrade social life and psychological well being in the United States? Are there enough role models currently on TV shows and Cable TV shows to help us improve interpersonal relations? Why or why not?
2) Does the current nature of newspapers adequately prepare us to sift through various types of information in order for us to make informed decisions for our community (ex. voting politicians into office, voting on public policies) and for ourselves?
3) How can the popular music industry improve personal behaviors, social attitudes and political discourse in the United States?
NOTE: Make sure you cover all the points above. Also, this is not an opinion paper – be sure to find research to support any points you are making in your paper. You should use a minimum of 3-4 sources from the Touro online library in your Case Assignment. Writing expectations include competency in the following:
Thesis Statement Introduction, and Conclusion (your essay must have a thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion that are all supported by research and analysis).
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 8 Assignment
Signature Assignment
The signature assignment for this course is an APA-formatted 8-10 page research paper (excluding cover page and references) which examines the potential psychological impact of long-term exposure to mass media messages on a topic of your choice. In other words, you can research and write about any topic of interest covered in Modules 1-8 that relates to the psychological impact of mass media on individuals.
Some of the topics you can focus your research on include:
Body image and advertising
Representation of women in media
Representation of minorities in media
Representation of LGBT in media
Drug use in popular film and its effects on youth
The major issues surrounding political advertising and political campaigns
Effectiveness of fear tactics in editorial advertising
Depiction of violence in sports media and graphic enhancements in print advertising
Ethics in journalism
The relationship between popular music and culture
Social media as a catalyst for change
Another media related topic (where you can include arguments on why it is currently relevant and impacts society)
No matter what topic you choose, the final product should not be an opinion paper – you must use a minimum of at least 6 peer reviewed resources from the Touro online library in support of points made in your Signature Assignment.
 
MPS614 The Psychological Impact of Media and Technology
Module 8 Assignment
Student Self-Reflective Essay
The purpose of the Student Self-Reflective Essay is to reflect upon what one has learned or how one has performed as compared with one’s expectations or goals.
At the end of each course, we ask students to respond to five (5) statements. In your essay please respond in sequential order to the five (5) statements below. There is no requirement for length when responding to each statement.
1. Descriptions of how you feel you improved your knowledge, skills, abilities, and yourself in this session through this course.
2. Evaluation of the work you did during the session for the class and explanations of ways you could have performed better.
3. Topics you have identified that you did not understand or were not successful in trying to implement and suggestions you may have about how to improve the course material on those topics.
4. Ways you might measure the future effects of what you have learned in this course or your future progress/improvement.
5. State whether you achieved the course outcomes (Student Learning Outcomes).