Library session for POLS 3760 - Looking at Alternative Viewpoints
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The document discusses a library workshop aimed at helping participants differentiate between mainstream and alternative media. It outlines learning outcomes such as identifying alternative information sources and understanding the terminology used by different viewpoints. The document also provides resources for alternative media, emphasizes the importance of word choice in searches, and includes exercises for engaging with various perspectives on controversial issues.
Library session for POLS 3760 - Looking at Alternative Viewpoints
- 1. Looking at alternative viewpoints Library workshop for POLS 3760 10 September 2014 Chris Chan Information Services Librarian http://about.me/chancp
- 2. Learning Outcomes By the end of today’s session, you will be able to: Differentiate between mainstream and alternative media Search for and identify information sources that provide alternative points of view Predict the terminology that writers with different viewpoints would use to describe the same issue
- 4. Alternative Media Mainstream media: Generally controlled by governments and large corporations CNN, BBC, Reuters, etc. Editorial position generally reflects mainstream opinion Alternative media: Smaller, independent sources of information Allow for dissenting points of view to be heard Internet has made access to alternative media much easier than in the past
- 6. Alternative Media Resources Alternative media websites useful for security studies: Independent Media Center, http://www.indymedia.org Initially established by independent and alternative media organizations and activists in 1999 to provide grassroots coverage of the WTO protests in Seattle New Internationalist, http://www.newint.org A self-described communications cooperative reporting on issues of world poverty and inequality Inter Press Service, http://www.ips.org A global news agency that aims to raise the voices of the South and civil society on issues of development, globalisation, human rights, and the environment The above sources were identified using Mount Allison University Libraries’ Alternative Media Guide: http://www.mta.ca/library/ alternative_media.html. Check it out yourself for more sources, and for additional information on alternative media.
- 7. Useful database Opposing Viewpoints Research Centre Covers controversial contemporary social issues, providing the views and opinions of both sides of the debate You can find the database by typing the name into OneSearch, or by using our Databases A-Z list
- 8. Reading Exercise: Independent Media Read this article from the Mother Jones website, and think about the following: 1.What kind of tone/style does the author employ? 2.Can you tell what political views the author holds? 3.How is this article different from an article you might read on mainstream news websites? (e.g. BBC, CNN, etc.)
- 9. Search terms and alternative viewpoints
- 10. Words, words, words... The words (search terms) you use are important. In fact, word choice can introduce bias into your searches. For example, using the keywords CIA and torture will make it hard to find sources on this topic that very purposefully avoid using the word “torture”
- 11. Euphemism Euphemism means the use of mild or indirect expressions when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing For example, egg industry spokespeople may talk about the “instantaneous fragmentation” of unwanted male chicks Image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Day_old_chick.jpg
- 12. Role play If you were: Would you use the phrase: The leader of Sinn Fein IRA TERRORIST? The Iranian Foreign Minister NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION? A Sudanese government spokesperson DARFUR GENOCIDE? The CEO of Blackwater MERCENARIES? The head of the CIA TORTURE?
- 13. Exercise - Identifying alternate terms Working in small groups, come up with some alternate terms and euphemisms for the topic you have been given Apart from your own knowledge, try searching Google and Wikipedia for examples Submit your ideas to the online poll at: http://PollEv.com/hkbulib
- 14. Summary: Covering all points of view Mainstream sources Alternative sources Mainstream terminology - Mainstream opinion - Mixed views - Alternative media commentary on mainstream opinion Alternative terminology - Mixed views - Mainstream media commentary on alternative opinion - Alternative opinions
- 15. Questions?