Topics in Language & Mass Communication (Part 2)
For Possible Use in the Further Oral Activity (FOA)
“The further oral activities are intended to address the relationship between language, meaning, and context…these
activities are an opportunity to explore some of the topics and learning outcomes in parts 1 and 2 of the course.
Underpinning these is the issue of intercultural understanding. Through the examination of the cultural context of a
text, including the way and the medium through which it is communicated, students will be able to engage with the
process of intercultural understanding and thereby reflect on their own cultural practices. A wide variety of
activities can be undertaken and these may be individual presentations or interactive in nature, integrating both
listening and speaking skills. Students are expected to choose their activity in consultation with the teacher and link
it to one (or more) specific learning outcome(s)…There must be a clear link between the activity and the texts that
have been studied in a particular part of the course.” (IB Guide)
Language & Mass Communication Learning Outcomes:
1.
2.
3.
Examine different forms of communication within the media.
Show an awareness of the potential for educational, political, or ideological influence of the media.
Show the way mass media use language and image to inform, persuade, or entertain.
A. Official IB Topics (as designated):
Textual bias
Popular culture
Use of persuasive language
Language and presentation of speeches and campaigns
B. Activities, subtopics, texts, and text types we’ve covered:
-Toulmin model of argument (claim, evidence, & warrant)
-Rhetorical devices (ethos, logos, pathos)
-Advertisements (“You Know Who You Are” – Hard Rock Café, Dodge Durango, Girl Scouts, etc.)
-The use of modality to indicate bias or modality as a rhetorical device
-Identifying bias through SOAPS analysis and 1,2,3 process
-“Shooting an Elephant” (narrative essay)
-Editorial cartoons (Moon landing, Harambe death)
-Newspaper articles (moon landing, violence at Trump rally)
-Social media (usage and effects of)
-Logical fallacies
-Reviews (Pirates of the Caribbean, Lotus, Grand Theft Auto)
-Consumer culture & the art of Chris Jordan (Running the Numbers I & II)
-“Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?” (essay)
-“Touchscreen” (Marshall Jones; slam poem)
-Generation Like (PBS documentary film)
-Speeches (George W. Bush 9/11 speech, King’s Speech, Nixon “Checkers” speech, “Moon Disaster” speech)
-Einstein letter
-Op-ed (“Stop Overusing the Word ‘Genius’”)
-Toni Morrison’s letter endorsing President Obama (letter/editorial)
-MTV Environmental ads (Switch) campaign
-Sojourner Truth speech
-David Foster Wallace speech
-“This is Water” video (visual representation of DF Wallace speech)
Further Oral Activity (FOA) Proposal
Note: This proposal must be typed using this outline format (all bolded items must be included in
outline); due 11-16/17
Presentation activity:
Topic link (A):
Text link (B):
Relationship between language, meaning, and context:
Language (How is language used to convey meaning in your text(s)? Consider structure,
technique, style, etc. and the fact that language typically informs, persuades, or entertains):
Meaning (What meaning is conveyed in the text(s) you are examining? What meaning will you
convey in your presentation, and how might meanings vary according to context? How does the author’s
use of language influence the meaning of a text?):
Context (What is the cultural context for your presentation? What is the cultural context for the
production of the text and possible reception of the text? Why does that context matter?):
Intercultural understanding you/we will gain (How might the cultural context for the production of
this text be different from our own cultural context? What might we learn by examining the text from a
different cultural perspective?):
Awareness of your own culture (What is your cultural context and the cultural context of your peers for
reception of the text?):
Breakdown of presentation:
Introduction (How will you begin/set up your presentation?):
Body (What are the parts of your presentation? What format will you use? Will you perform?
Engage in discussion? Present a PowerPoint?):
Conclusion (How will you conclude your presentation? What idea(s) do you want to leave with
your audience?):