There were a few points in particular in this lecture that I found of interest:
- At the start of the lecture when Steven was saying that professions like communications, journalism, advertising and PR etc weren't around like 30-40 years ago. I think this is a really interesting point when you think about how far these professions and careers have developed and adapted in such a relatively short amount of time. And it's weird to think that when the study of communication began with Ferdinand de Saussure (see the link i included about him) in 1900 with the study of semiotics - that it took another 60+ years for these professions to actually establish themselves!
- When Steven was discussing communication studies (US) and the theories that have been associated with them I found the media effects models very interesting and is something I may consider further developing for my essay. What I find interesting are the minimum, mixed and maximum effect theories. I find it interesting that there were times throughout history when scholars and citizens etc believed that there was ONE way that the public would respond and be effected by the media. (see the link i included which lists ten things wrong with the media effects model - interesting read!)
- And finally, another area of the lecture I found interesting was when Steven spoke about media studies in the United Kingdom and Stanley Cohen's studies into moral panics.
In this weeks lecture we also viewed a film titled Le Jetee. I found this film actually interesting. I've never really been a fan of old films (especially black and white ones!) but the concept behind this film is interesting. Firstly, I found the plot about them using technology to try to go back in time and change things interesting because it illustrates that how far back the notions of time travel and technology really go. Secondly, I've never seen a film based on still images before - even though there was that random scene where that persons eyes moved!?!? Thirdly, I enjoyed the twist at the end - in all honestly I did not see it coming and it kept me watching it! (see the link I included that about La Jetee). Also something interesting i stumbled upon in my research after this lecture was that La Jetee was named as one of the 100 best films of the 20th century by The Village Voice - it came in at number 66! (See the link to this site!)
Well that's all really for this week - until next time.....
