Class-Sept.+8

First we discussed the “pajama theory,” after being shocked by Donica's attire for the class period. She was decked out in a robe and slippers which were worn through with holes and her point was made very clear. The "pajama theory" concluded that writing in a sloppy or grammatically incorrect format was like wearing your pajamas to class, it provided the viewer with a chance to judge the person (or in our case the writing) through a biased and predetermined lens.
 * Summary of Class, September 8**

Next we discussed the meaning of the word "truth," using today's reading and a clip of the //Colbert Report// as a platform. We came to the conclusion that news is "the reflection of the passions of the day" or, in other words, is viewed and balanced through the perception of the writer and of the reader. This tendency was reinforced from a comedic perspective as Colbert discussed "truthiness" and the idea that news is a perspective based on feelings and emotions.

Lastly, we discussed how, given these conflicts of perception, we as the consumer should evaluate news. This can only be done through research which can mainly be accomplished by determining the credibility of both the author and the publication.


 * Handouts provided in class on Sept. 8**



(1) Read Kovach and Rosenstiel. Chapter 02: Truth: The First and Most Confusing Principle from the book Elements of Journalism: What Newspeople Should Know and the Public Should Expect, pages: 35-50 from electronic reserve on the library Web site. After you have completed the reading, we encourage you to add to the summary of the reading on the Wiki or post a comment on the forum section of this Ning site.
 * Homework assignment due Sept. 8 **

(2) Find a news story about any topic (we suggest immigration, but you are free to choose) that you believe is true. Post a link to the story and tell us why you think it's true -- how do you judge? Use the "blog" function on your member page or the "Add a blog post" on the front page of this Ning sit.


 * Discussion of Class**