COMS 1002: Media, Truth and the Social Sphere Final Exam Study Guide

A set of flashcards covering key concepts, theorists, and examples from the COMS 1002 course material.

What is the journalistic ideal that is impossible to fully achieve?

Objectivity

What are the underlying biases in U.S. news identified by Herbert Gans?

Ethnocentrism, Democracy, Responsible capitalism, Small-town pastoralism, Individualism, Moderatism, Social order, National leadership

What does the 24-hour news cycle lead to?

Rushed reporting and less fact-checking

What is 'disinformation'?

Intentional false communication for political or economic gain

What is the difference between fake news usage by Trump and academic usage?

Trump refers to mainstream media bias, while academic refers to deliberately fabricated stories.

What is 'post-truth' characterized by?

Emotion over facts, 'alternative facts', and gaslighting.

Who described the 'regime of truth' where each society decides what is true?

Michel Foucault

What does textual poaching refer to?

Fans 'poaching' media texts to create new meanings.

Define participatory culture.

Fans actively create and share content.

What are the ten types of fan production identified by Jenkins?

1. Recontextualization 2. Expanding series timeline 3. Refocalization 4. Moral realignment 5. Genre shift 6. Cross-over 7. Character dislocation 8. Personalization 9. Emotional intensification 10. Eroticization.

What is Orientalism as defined by Edward Said?

Western construction of the 'East' as exotic and primitive.

What is the impact of colonialism on Indigenous cultures and languages?

Erasure of Indigenous cultures/languages and their replacement by Western values.

What does critical thinking involve according to Freire and Giroux?

Questioning power, media, and society.

What should students do to prepare for the exam according to the guide?

Memorize 2–3 examples per theme and link theorists to concepts.