Materials for the Classroom

Project: Understanding the Global Mirror: The Sociological Impact of media Representation.

My involvement: Stories are not just for entertainment, they build identities, determine behaviors, and create our dreams. But because our brains require "shortcuts" to organize the massive amounts of data we receive, especially since the average person now interacts with media for over 11 hours a day, the narratives we consume impact how we view the world and make meaning of our lives. I wanted to create a podcast for my students to explore how media can either reinforce prejudice through "racialized tropes" or challenge these perceptions by providing a platform for diverse, authentic voices.  

Learning Outcomes: 

• Analyze Representation Theory: Understand how media portrayals do not just reflect reality but actively construct it, shaping societal attitudes and personal self-perception.

• Apply Encoding/Decoding Theory: Learn how audiences interpret media messages differently based on their specific cultural backgrounds and social contexts.

• Recognize the Impact of Technology: Explore how streaming platforms and social media facilitate global cultural exchange while simultaneously creating a complex landscape of cultural homogenization and diversification.

Tools: Google Docs, BBC Reel Video: "How the media Shapes Our Minds", and article from Premiere Science "Media Representation and Cultural Identity, NotebookLM, and research libraries.