MassMedia: Skepticism, Critical Thinking and Science (U1-P1) Fa14

A skeptic, a critical thinker and a scientist walk into a bar...

No, but seriously, what is a skeptic, a critical thinker and scientist?
How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Michael Shermer, editor of Skeptic magazine, defines a skeptic as follows:

So, a skeptic is a person who does what?  Please do note that Shermer defines skepticism and skeptics a little differently than how the words may commonly be used.


===

One way of defining a critical thinker is to identify some of the traits of a critical thinker, a critical thinkers creed, if you will.

The Critical Thinker’s Creed

• We are Open-minded.
• We seek to understand other viewpoints.
• We are Knowledgeable.
• We offer opinions/claims backed with logic and evidence.
• We are Mentally Active.
• We use our intelligence to confront problems.
• We are Creative.
• We break out of established patterns of thinking and approach situations from innovative directions.
• We are Independent Thinkers.
• We are not afraid to disagree with the group opinion.
• We are Curious.
• We go beyond superficial explanations. We seek deeper understanding.

So, a critical thinker is a person who follows the creed above (or some similar creed)?
Do you follow this creed?


===

We could define a scientist as a person who does science, but that begs the question what is science. Below are some possible definitions of science based a presentation by Dr. William McComas (Skeptic Society)

• “Science is what scientists do.”
• So, science is what scientist do.  Scientist are those who do science.   This one isn't so helpful.
• “Science is a method of testing claims and it is not an immutable compendium of absolute truths.”
• This definition works.  Highlights how science is a process, something we do.
• “Science is the quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself.”
• Again, science is a process, in this case, a quest.

So with these last two definitions of science, then how do we define a scientist?


I started this blog post with some questions: How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Got some answers?  If so, next...

Now, after thinking about how these three terms relate to one another, ask yourself, how do they relate to you?  Are you a scientist?  A skeptic?  A critical thinker?

And, what does this discussion have to do with related terms like theory and research?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MediaTech: In Honor of Everett M. Rogers (U1-P1) Fa14

I teach this media tech course in honor of Ev.

He was my professor, adviser, co-author -- and my mentor.  He is missed.

Everett M. Rogers (1931-2004)

Communication Technology (Series in Communication Technology and Society)

If it weren't so out-of-date, I'd use this book that Ev wrote.

Someday I'd like to write an updated version of this book.  But, that's later.

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS, 4TH ED.

At least my graduate media tech students get to use Ev's Diffusion of Innovations.

If you are curious, here is a link to a Vimeo video titled "A Conversation with Everett Rogers".

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

DigPhotog: Intro to Photography: Mentors - Gordon Parks (U1-P1) Fa14

Gordon Parks, 1963,
(public domain photo)

One way to begin your study of digital photography is start with a close study of photographs.  Before taking photographs, study photographs.  Be able to critique a photograph first.  Be able to say what is a good photograph and why and then go out and take good photographs based on what you learned in your study of good photographs.

Instead of studying just any photo though, it would be best to start with a study of photographs taken by some of the great photographers.

I'd suggest that you find two or three great photographers that can serve as your mentors.  Start by visiting the Masters of Photography site.  You may find other similar sites online.

I'd encourage you to consider Gordon Parks as one of your mentors. In addition to being a photographer, Parks was an artist, a composer, an author, and a film director (e.g., Shaft).




Gordon Parks, a Master of the Camera, Dies at 93 (NY Times)

See the clip below from about 11:58 to about 19:00.  Wait to view the rest along with a future blog post.





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Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

InterculturalCom: Mr. Nice Guy: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication [VID] (U1-P1) Fa14

This is a clip that I edited and posted on YouTube. I use this clip in my Intercultural Communication course to introduce students to the difficulties of intercultural communication.

In the clip Jackie's fiancé has just arrived in the U.S.

Is there intercultural miscommunication? What is the problem exactly? Whose fault is it? Is it right to blame somebody?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: MLK and INC (U1-P1) Sp14

Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964
(Public domain/government photo)

Recently we celebrated Martin Luther King Day.

Are there any connections between what Dr. King did and the study of international (or global) communication?

What did Dr. King protest against?  What was he fighting for?
Short answer: equal rights, peace and the end to poverty.

When you think of communication between nations, do you think of some nations (e.g., "developing nations" or poorer nations) which do not have equal representation on the world stage?  Do you think of some nations that have a stronger media system and more media influence around the world?  Familiar with the phrase "cultural imperialism"?

Some of these nations attempt to fight back against the unequal flow of media/culture (via books, movies, music) coming into their countries.  Very often it is U.S. books, movies and music that are "conquering" other nations.  Example: Top Films in Brazil right now.

Do nations have rights?  What role does global communication play in this?

So, some countries fight back for equality and a right preserve their own culture.  Also,some scholars in the field of global communication fight back.  Sometime in their writings they address this issue.

***

The new King memorial has been in the news recently.  In the news coverage and in classroom discussions we often stress the "I have a dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 with little attention given to King's later work.  This observations is not meant to diminish the very important 1963 speech, but to highlight how King grew and expanded his vision.

Please check out the "Mumia Abu-Jamal short video/audio clip and then see the clips of King after 1963.





"Injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere" (King).






Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

DigPhotog: Intro to Photography: Mentors - Gordon Parks (U1-P1) Sp14

Gordon Parks, 1963,
(public domain photo)

One way to begin your study of digital photography is start with a close study of photographs.  Before taking photographs, study photographs.  Be able to critique a photograph first.  Be able to say what is a good photograph and why and then go out and take good photographs based on what you learned in your study of good photographs.

Instead of studying just any photo though, it would be best to start with a study of photographs taken by some of the great photographers.

I'd suggest that you find two or three great photographers that can serve as your mentors.  Start by visiting the Masters of Photography site.  You may find other similar sites online.

I'd encourage you to consider Gordon Parks as one of your mentors. In addition to being a photographer, Parks was an artist, a composer, an author, and a film director (e.g., Shaft).




Gordon Parks, a Master of the Camera, Dies at 93 (NY Times)

See the clip below from about 11:58 to about 19:00.  Wait to view the rest along with a future blog post.






Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: Skepticism, Critical Thinking and Science (U1-P1) fa13

A skeptic, a critical thinker and a scientist walk into a bar...

No, but seriously, what is a skeptic, a critical thinker and scientist?
How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Michael Shermer, editor of Skeptic magazine, defines a skeptic as follows:

So, a skeptic is a person who does what?  Please do note that Shermer defines skepticism and skeptics a little differently than how the words may commonly be used.


===

One way of defining a critical thinker is to identify some of the traits of a critical thinker, a critical thinkers creed, if you will.

The Critical Thinker’s Creed

• We are Open-minded.
• We seek to understand other viewpoints.
• We are Knowledgeable.
• We offer opinions/claims backed with logic and evidence.
• We are Mentally Active.
• We use our intelligence to confront problems.
• We are Creative.
• We break out of established patterns of thinking and approach situations from innovative directions.
• We are Independent Thinkers.
• We are not afraid to disagree with the group opinion.
• We are Curious.
• We go beyond superficial explanations. We seek deeper understanding.

So, a critical thinker is a person who follows the creed above (or some similar creed)?
Do you follow this creed?


===

We could define a scientist as a person who does science, but that begs the question what is science. Below are some possible definitions of science based a presentation by Dr. William McComas (Skeptic Society)

• “Science is what scientists do.”
• So, science is what scientist do.  Scientist are those who do science.   This one isn't so helpful.
• “Science is a method of testing claims and it is not an immutable compendium of absolute truths.”
• This definition works.  Highlights how science is a process, something we do.
• “Science is the quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself.”
• Again, science is a process, in this case, a quest.

So with these last two definitions of science, then how do we define a scientist?


I started this blog post with some questions: How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Got some answers?  If so, next...

Now, after thinking about how these three terms relate to one another, ask yourself, how do they relate to you?  Are you a scientist?  A skeptic?  A critical thinker?

And, what does this discussion have to do with related terms like theory and research?



Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

DigPhotog: Intro to Photography: Mentors - Gordon Parks (U1-P1) Fa13

Gordon Parks, 1963,
(public domain photo)

One way to begin your study of digital photography is start with a close study of photographs.  Before taking photographs, study photographs.  Be able to critique a photograph first.  Be able to say what is a good photograph and why and then go out and take good photographs based on what you learned in your study of good photographs.

Instead of studying just any photo though, it would be best to start with a study of photographs taken by some of the great photographers.

I'd suggest that you find two or three great photographers that can serve as your mentors.  Start by visiting the Masters of Photography site.  You may find other similar sites online.

I'd encourage you to consider Gordon Parks as one of your mentors. In addition to being a photographer, Parks was an artist, a composer, an author, and a film director (e.g., Shaft).




Gordon Parks, a Master of the Camera, Dies at 93 (NY Times)

See the clip below from about 11:58 to about 19:00.  Wait to view the rest along with a future blog post.






Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MediaTech: In Honor of Everett M. Rogers (U1-P1) fa13

I teach this media tech course in honor of Ev.

He was my professor, adviser, co-author -- and my mentor.  He is missed.

Everett M. Rogers (1931-2004)

Communication Technology (Series in Communication Technology and Society)

If it weren't so out-of-date, I'd use this book that Ev wrote.

Someday I'd like to write an updated version of this book.  But, that's later.

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS, 4TH ED.

At least my graduate media tech students get to use Ev's Diffusion of Innovations.

If you are curious, here is a link to a Vimeo video titled "A Conversation with Everett Rogers".

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

InterculturalCom: Mr. Nice Guy: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication [VID] (U1-P1) fa13

This is a clip that I edited and posted on YouTube. I use this clip in my Intercultural Communication course to introduce students to the difficulties of intercultural communication.

In the clip Jackie's fiancé has just arrived in the U.S.

Is there intercultural miscommunication? What is the problem exactly? Whose fault is it? Is it right to blame somebody?

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: MLK and INC (U1-P1) Sp13

Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964
(Public domain/government photo)

Soon we will celebrate Martin Luther King Day.

Are there any connections between what Dr. King did and the study of international (or global) communication?

What did Dr. King protest against?  What was he fighting for?
Short answer: Equal Rights and Peace.

When you think of communication between nations, do you think of some nations (e.g., "developing nations" or poorer nations) which do not have equal representation on the world stage.  Do you think of some nations that have a stronger media system and more media influence around the world?  Familiar with the phrase "cultural imperialism"?

Some of these nations attempt to fight back against the unequal flow of media/culture (via books, movies, music) coming into their countries.  Very often it is U.S. books, movies and music that are "conquering" other nations.  Example: Top Films in Brazil right now.

Do nations have rights?  What role does global communication play in this?

So, some countries fight back for equality and a right preserve their own culture.  Also,some scholars in the field of global communication fight back.  Sometime in their writings they address this issue.

More on King on Peace...




"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (King)


Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

DigPhotog: Intro to Photography: Mentors - Gordon Parks (U1-P1) sp13

Gordon Parks, 1963,
(public domain photo)

One way to begin your study of digital photography is start with a close study of photographs.  Before taking photographs, study photographs.  Be able to critique a photograph first.  Be able to say what is a good photograph and why and then go out and take good photographs based on what you learned in your study of good photographs.

Instead of studying just any photo though, it would be best to start with a study of photographs taken by some of the great photographers.

I'd suggest that you find two or three great photographers that can serve as your mentors.  Start by visiting the Masters of Photography site.  You may find other similar sites online.

I'd encourage you to consider Gordon Parks as one of your mentors. In addition to being a photographer, Parks was an artist, a composer, an author, and a film director (e.g., Shaft).




Gordon Parks, a Master of the Camera, Dies at 93 (NY Times)

See the clip below from about 11:58 to about 19:00.  Wait to view the rest along with a future blog post.





Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MassMedia: Skepticism, Critical Thinking and Science (U1-P1)

A skeptic, a critical thinker and a scientist walk into a bar...

No, but seriously, what is a skeptic, a critical thinker and scientist?
How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Michael Shermer, editor of Skeptic magazine, defines a skeptic as follows:

So, a skeptic is a person who does what?  Please do note that Shermer defines skepticism and skeptics a little differently than how the words may commonly be used.


===

One way of defining a critical thinker is to identify some of the traits of a critical thinker, a critical thinkers creed, if you will.

The Critical Thinker’s Creed

• We are Open-minded.
• We seek to understand other viewpoints.
• We are Knowledgeable.
• We offer opinions/claims backed with logic and evidence.
• We are Mentally Active.
• We use our intelligence to confront problems.
• We are Creative.
• We break out of established patterns of thinking and approach situations from innovative directions.
• We are Independent Thinkers.
• We are not afraid to disagree with the group opinion.
• We are Curious.
• We go beyond superficial explanations. We seek deeper understanding.

So, a critical thinker is a person who follows the creed above (or some similar creed)?
Do you follow this creed?


===

We could define a scientist as a person who does science, but that begs the question what is science. Below are some possible definitions of science based a presentation by Dr. William McComas (Skeptic Society)

• “Science is what scientists do.”
• So, science is what scientist do.  Scientist are those who do science.   This one isn't so helpful.
• “Science is a method of testing claims and it is not an immutable compendium of absolute truths.”
• This definition works.  Highlights how science is a process, something we do.
• “Science is the quest for knowledge, not the knowledge itself.”
• Again, science is a process, in this case, a quest.

So with these last two definitions of science, then how do we define a scientist?


I started this blog post with some questions: How should we define these three terms and how are they related?  Are they three different labels for the same thing?  Related, but a little different?  How are they different?

Got some answers?  If so, next...

Now, after thinking about how these three terms relate to one another, ask yourself, how do they relate to you?  Are you a scientist?  A skeptic?  A critical thinker?

And, what does this discussion have to do with related terms like theory and research?




Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MediaTech: In Honor of Everett M. Rogers (U1-P1) fa12

I teach this media tech course in honor of Ev.  

He was my professor, adviser, co-author -- and my mentor.

Communication Technology (Series in Communication Technology and Society)

If it weren't so out-of-date, I'd use this book that Ev wrote.

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS, 4TH ED.

At least my graduate students get to use Ev's Diffusion of Innovations.

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

InterculturalCom: Mr. Nice Guy: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication [VID] (U1/P1) fa12

This is a clip that I edited and posted on YouTube. I use this clip in my Intercultural Communication course to introduce students to the difficulties of intercultural communication. 

In the clip Jackie's fiancé has just arrived in the U.S.

Is there intercultural miscommunication? What is the problem exactly? Whose fault is it? Is it right to blame somebody?



Visit WilliamHartPhD.com

Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

GlobalMedia: MLK and INC (U1-P1)

Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964
(Public domain/government photo)

Recently we celebrated Martin Luther King Day.

Are there any connections between what Dr. King did and the study of international (or global) communication?

What did Dr. King protest against?  What was he fighting for?
Short answer: Equal Rights and Peace.

When you think of communication between nations, do you think of some nations (e.g., "developing nations" or poorer nations) which do not have equal representation on the world stage.  Do you think of some nations that have a stronger media system and more media influence around the world?  Familiar with the phrase "cultural imperialism"?

Some of these nations attempt to fight back against the unequal flow of media/culture (via books, movies, music) coming into their countries.  Very often it is U.S. books, movies and music that are "conquering" other nations.  Example: Top Films in Brazil right now.

Do nations have rights?  What role does global communication play in this?

So, some countries fight back for equality and a right preserve their own culture.  Also,some scholars in the field of global communication fight back.  Sometime in their writings they address this issue.  See below.









Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

DigPhotog: Intro to Photography: Mentors - Gordon Parks (U1-P1)

Gordon Parks, 1963,
(public domain photo)

One way to begin your study of digital photography is start with a close study of photographs.  Before taking photographs, study photographs.  Be able to critique a photograph first.  Be able to say what is a good photograph and why and then go out and take good photographs based on what you learned in your study of good photographs.

Instead of studying just any photo though, it would be best to start with a study of photographs taken by some of the great photographers.

I'd suggest that you find two or three great photographers that can serve as your mentors.  Start by visiting the Masters of Photography site.  You may find other similar sites online.

I'd encourage you to consider Gordon Parks as one of your mentors. In addition to being a photographer, Parks was an artist, a composer, an author, and a film director (e.g., Shaft).




Share this post with others. See the Twitter, Facebook and other buttons below.
Please follow, add, friend or subscribe to help support this blog.
See more about me at my web site WilliamHartPhD.com.

MediaTech: In Honor of Everett M. Rogers (U1-P1)

I teach this media tech course in honor of Ev.  

He was my professor, adviser, co-author -- and my mentor.

Communication Technology (Series in Communication Technology and Society)

If it weren't so out-of-date, I'd use this book that Ev wrote.

DIFFUSION OF INNOVATIONS, 4TH ED.

At least my graduate students get to use Ev's Diffusion of Innovations.

Visit WilliamHartPhD.com

InterculturalCom: Mr. Nice Guy: An Introduction to Intercultural Communication [VID] (U1/P1)

This is a clip that I edited and posted on YouTube. I use this clip in my Intercultural Communication course to introduce students to the difficulties of intercultural communication.

In the clip Jackie's fiancé has just arrived in the U.S.

Is there intercultural miscommunication? What is the problem exactly? Whose fault is it? Is it right to blame somebody?



Visit WilliamHartPhD.com