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Final Essay

Griffin Steadman

COMS 1002

Dr. Dugan Nichols

December 14th 2023

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In my COMS 1002 class, two weeks stood out to me significantly, each offering unique

insights into the realm of communication. Week 5, focusing on advertising, delved into the

intricate world of online marketing and its pervasive strategies. As elucidated in class discussions

and supported by the provided materials on internet ad tracking, the week revealed the

omnipresence of digital advertising and the sophisticated tools employed, such as cookies and

software development kits (SDKs), to trail users across the web. The lecture not only demystified

the mechanisms behind online ads but also prompted contemplation on the implications of

pervasive digital surveillance. Moving beyond the midterm cutoff, Week 11 brought forth a

captivating exploration of Popular Culture and Media Use. Drawing from assigned readings and

class conversations, the week provided a comprehensive overview of participatory culture and

subcultural theories. The materials, including insightful articles such as those by Haenfler,

Jenkins, and hooks, dissected the dynamic relationship between popular culture and critical

thinking. This week illuminated how media consumption is not merely a passive activity but a

participatory engagement, fostering a profound understanding of the reciprocal influence

between media and society. Both weeks, though distinct, underscored the multifaceted nature of

communication in contemporary society. From the intricacies of online advertising to the

symbiotic relationship between media and culture, COMS 1002 has equipped me with valuable

insights that transcend the confines of the classroom and extend into the dynamic landscapes of

the digital age.

In week 5, we explored the complex world of online marketing and its ubiquitous

strategies, with a focus on advertising. The week's lessons clarified the prevalence of digital

advertising and the advanced techniques used, like cookies and software development kits
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(SDKs), to track users throughout the internet. These were reinforced by the materials on internet

ad tracking that were provided and discussed in class. The lecture provoked reflection on the

implications of ubiquitous digital surveillance in addition to demystifying the workings of online

advertisements. A fascinating investigation of popular culture and media use was presented in

week 11. Using readings assigned and class discussions as a starting point, the week gave a

thorough introduction to subcultural theories and participatory culture. The resources examined

the complex relationship between popular culture and critical thinking, and included enlightening

pieces by writers like Jenkins, Haenfler, and Hooks. This week provided insight into how media

consumption is a participatory endeavor rather than just a passive one, deepening our

understanding of the mutual influence that exists between the media and society.

I have gained a great deal of knowledge from COMS 1002. A deep comprehension of the

nature of Communication Studies as a field is one of the course's main lessons. This information

provides a strong basis that will surely influence how I approach other academic fields and give

me a sophisticated perspective on a variety of topics. Intellectual curiosity has been stimulated

by the course's emphasis on keeping up with current, real-world issues and debates surrounding

new media and social life. This dedication to being informed will definitely influence my future

academic pursuits, motivating me to look for and participate in current discussions in any subject

I decide to study. Having been exposed to important figures in the Canadian media landscape,

from owners to audiences, has improved my comprehension of the complex dynamics at work.

This understanding of the power dynamics present in media will be an invaluable analytical tool

in classes covering politics, economics, and societal structures.

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In addition, COMS 1002 has sharpened my consumption and critical thinking abilities,

making me wonder who in our society decides what is true and real. This skill set will come in

handy when taking on a variety of academic challenges because it will enable me to evaluate

information critically, spot biases, and deftly navigate intricate narratives. One of the course's

main objectives is to teach students how to write and defend an argument in an essay format.

This skill will surely be useful in a variety of academic settings and provide them the ability to

effectively express and support their opinions. An increased awareness of the significance of

representation has resulted from the investigation of media stereotypes pertaining to people's

social identities, including gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. An increased awareness of

the significance of representation has resulted from the investigation of media stereotypes

pertaining to people's social identities, including gender, race, class, and sexual orientation. This

increased awareness will direct how I engage with material in different classes, encouraging me

to be a staunch supporter of nuanced representations and a fighter against stereotypes.

Additionally, a curiosity about the relationship between popular culture and media use

has risen from Week 11's exposure to subcultural theory, participatory culture, and the complex

interaction between media producers and consumers. This information will surely shape my

future academic choices, pushing me toward classes that explore media analysis, cultural studies,

and the changing face of modern media. My comprehension of communication studies has

grown significantly as a result of the lessons I learned in COMS 1002, which have also given me

a variety of transferable skills and viewpoints that will surely enhance my academic experience

in subsequent university courses. I am prepared to approach every subject with critical thinking,

intellectual curiosity, and a dedication to challenging deeply ingrained narratives and stereotypes

as I navigate a variety of disciplines.

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Looking back on my time in COMS 1002, I can't help but notice how much the

knowledge and skills I gained in this course will help me in my future professional endeavors.

My mastery of the social, cultural, political, economic, and technological aspects of

communication has been enhanced by this introductory course. A major learning outcome from

the course is a better capacity to evaluate how contemporary society is portrayed in the media

and to challenge the notion of "truth." With the abundance of information available today, it can

be especially difficult to separate fact from false information.

Readings like Marcetic's "Silicon Valley's Vast Data Collection" and Turkle's "Alone

Together," which explore media histories and technologies, have given me insights into the

quickly changing field of communication technologies. The ability to navigate the ever-changing

landscape of communication platforms and tools in any professional setting will require this

knowledge. My ability to adjust to new trends and make significant contributions to

conversations about new media and social life is facilitated by my understanding of the historical

background and the social effects of digital technologies. I now have a more complex

understanding of all the stakeholders in the Canadian media landscape thanks to my exposure to

important players in the sector, from owners to audiences. This knowledge will help me navigate

relationships and dynamics within media organizations, which will be extremely valuable in any

career where communication is a critical skill. Transferable benefits include the course's

emphasis on nonfiction writing conventions and the development of critical thinking abilities.

Writing strong arguments, challenging popular narratives, and effectively expressing ideas are

essential skills in the workplace. These skills, developed through a variety of assignments and
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exercises, will surely help me to create engaging stories and connect with a wide range of

audiences.

My awareness of the societal implications of media narratives has increased as a result of

the investigation of media literacy, representation, and power dynamics, especially in weeks like

"Communication and Power" and "Truth in Media III: Representation, Erasure, Stereotypes."

This knowledge is essential for a career where managing power dynamics and making sure all

people are represented fairly and inclusively are necessary components of effective

communication. I now have a solid foundation from COMS 1002 that goes beyond theoretical

knowledge to include useful, applicable skills. I bring with me the ability to engage with a

variety of audiences thoughtfully and inclusively, to navigate ever-evolving communication

technologies, and to critically analyze information as I prepare for a future career. I have no

doubt that the course's emphasis on challenging stereotypes, challenging truths, and

comprehending the intricate interactions between media and society will act as a compass,

directing my professional endeavors from a nuanced and knowledgeable standpoint.

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Works Cited

Fisher, T. (2022, December 21). Why are they following you around the web? Lifewire.

https://www.lifewire.com/ads-online-why-are-they-following-you-around-the-web-

4063788#:~:text=Basically%2C%20the%20website%20where%20you,just%20looked%20at

%20shows%20up.

Haenfler, R. (n.d.). Subcultural theory and theorists: Fandom and participatory culture.

Grinnell College. https://haenfler.sites.grinnell.edu/subcultural-theory-and-theorists/fandom-and-

participatory-culture/c

Lecture, Week 11, Dr. Dugan Nichols, University of New Brunswick Saint John

Other Sociologist. (2018, September 22). Bell hooks on critical thinking.

https://othersociologist.com/2018/09/22/bell-hooks-on-critical-thinking/

Zevallos, Z. (n.d.). Cultural theory and popular culture. Bowling Green State University.

https://blogs.bgsu.edu/span6350/files/2012/08/Cultural-Theory-and-Popular-Culture.pdf