In our society, an active and informed populace is considered essential for an effective democracy. From civics classes in high school to campaigns preaching the importance of voting, we are repeatedly told that we are responsible for upholding our country’s integrity, and that this can only be done by actively staying informed. Yet, the current state of media is up for debate. Many state that over the past few decades there has been a consolidation of media ownership and that this has compromised the quality of journalism, and thus our ability to remain informed citizens. Others disagree, arguing that such assertions are simplistic, and that changes in media have allowed for improvements in our access to information. These perspectives have significant implications for anyone who considers herself an involved citizen or who cares about where their information comes from. Has there been an overall consolidation of ownership, and if so, is diversity of perspectives stifled? What is the effect of media ownership and competition on the quality of journalism? What is the effect on American politics? Are media outlets’ primary goals related to the profits of their parent companies? Is this a problem?
On Thursday, April 26, join the Pomona Student Union for a debate to consider these questions and more. The panelists will be Peter Hart and Benjamin Compaine. Hart is the Activism Director for FAIR (Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting), a writer for FAIR’s magazine Extra, and a co-host and producer of the syndicated radio show CounterSpin. Compaine is the author, co-author, or editor of 12 books, including “Who Owns the Media?” He is also the co-editor emeritus of the Journal of Media Economics, and is a professor of Media Management at Fordham University.
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The United States is in the midst of a hard-fought election for the presidency. Some have called it the most important since 1860. Join two experienced political commentators for a lively debate of the issues at stake. Their discussion will revolve around questions submitted by the community, and will make you think twice about the themes of the election.
Hugh Hewitt is the host of a nationally syndicated radio show and the author of numerous books including A Mormon in the White House?: 10 Things Every American Should Know about Mitt Romney. He also teaches constitutional law at Chapman University. He spent six years in the Reagan administration. Eric Alterman is a columnist for The Nation and a regular contributor to The Daily Beast. He is the author of several books including The Cause: The Fight for American Liberalism from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama and Kabuki Democracy: The System vs. Barack Obama. He is a Professor of English and Journalism at Brooklyn College. What do you think about Invisible Children’s STOP KONY campaign?
Come to a student discussion led by Professor Pierre Englebert to talk about what is actually happening in (countries near) Uganda and what Americans should do about it. We will be watching the original KONY2012 video at 7:30 for those who haven’t seen it, and if you have, come join us at 8:00 for a discussion and snacks! Part I: 7:30PM KONY2012 screening Part II: 8:00PM Discussion in Hahn 101 This was a co-sponsored event by the PSU and the 5Cs Out Loud, a creative writing group at the Claremont Colleges.
Is the writing we learn to do in college relevant outside of academia? Once we graduate will it serve us in good stead? How should we be teaching writing to students? Join 5Cs Out Loud and the Pomona Student Union for a panel discussion of college writing, college writers, and their relevance to the real world. Panelists: Pam Bromley, Pomona College Writing Director M.G. Lord, USC Writing Professor Matthew Specktor, Editor at the LA Review of Books Dale Stephens, Founder of UnCollege ASPC elections are coming! Before making your decision on who will be the next student body president, hear from the candidates themselves.
Candidates will respond to questions provided by the moderator. Following the debate there will be time for questions from the audience. If you have specific issues or topics you would like to hear the candidates address, email questions to [email protected]. What is the difference between loving math and being scared of it? Intelligence? The right way of thinking? Sheer nerdiness? Research indicates that almost anyone can understand up through undergraduate level math, so why is it the most frequently failed secondary school subject? In an education system where almost no elementary or middle school teachers hold math degrees, where curriculum committees pick literature for student appeal but math textbooks for standardized tests, it is clear that change is necessary.
Come to dinner in Frank Blue Room on Thursday for a discussion of why K-12 math education fails to inspire generations of intelligent students, why this is a national problem, and what math education has the potential to become. Speakers: Arthur Benjamin, Mathemagician and Professor at Harvey Mudd College. Check out his TED talk at http://www.ted.com/talks/arthur_benjamin_s_formula_for_changing_math_education.html Ami Radunskaya, Professor at Pomona College and Musician Lisa Loop, Co-Director of Claremont Graduate University’s Teacher Education Program FMI: [email protected] |
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