COM 170 Communication Environments

Assignment 13     Postman Chapters 10-11

Chapter 10

1.  Postman cites John Dewy about the nature of education.  What is this position on learning?

2.  Do you agree or disagree with #1?  If you agree, does that mean Postman is right?  If you disagree, does that make him wrong about television and education?

3.  Postman is probably most criticized for his position on "Sesame Street."  Can you explain what's wrong with that seemingly wonderful show from his point of view?

4.  Imagine you are the producer for a new televised version of this course.  List five things you would do to  improve this class to make it better television.

Chapter 11

5.  Imagine the President was to create a cabinet level post called "Secretary of Media" or, more likely, "Media Czar,"  and give this person complete (albeit unconstitutional) control of the media.  You have been appointed to this position.  What kinds of things would you have the media do?  What kinds of things would you ban (remember, ignore any constitutional or political realities).