This week in class we presented our research on the two writers.We presented in groups of two. I was paired with Dean Wall (http://deanwallcriticaltheory.wordpress.com/). Our two chosen writers were Ferdinand De Saussure and Noam Chomsky. I focused on Chomsky, on his bio, his key ideas and his influences on new media today. Here is the research I found:
Information on Chomsky:
- American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian and activist
- Professor at MIT for over 50 years - Department of linguistics and philosophy
- Known for his critiques within many areas such as - Capitalism & The media
- Co-wrote the book that explored the topic that news media was a form of propaganda (1988) with Edward Herman
His key ideas:
- To analyze mainstream mass media and its structures and constraints in its role in supporting government and business interests
- Created a ‘propaganda model’
- Democratic societies use a subtle non-violent means of control
- Totalitarian systems use violent force to coerce the general public
- Famous quote:
- “propaganda is to a democracy what the bludgeon is to a totalitarian state”
His influences on new media today:
- Makes us think about the truths within todays media
- Not everything we are told is true / how much is
- Journalism
- Whoever controls the media can manipulate it
- North Korea dictatorship
Here are my presentation slides:
Here is the presentation in full: critical_theory_lab_2writers
Following the presentations we were given our first main assignment. The assignment involved the following:
- Effectively use and employ visual forms of communication through digital media
- Creatively explore issues of the individual, community and society
- Finish and present work according to the requirements and deadlines of the project brief
