Apart from the unfortunate hour-plus wait on the tarmac at Heathrow those of us on the group flight had an uneventful time. The late arrival created by the tarmac wait caused the schedule to tighten once we got to Oxford. But we enjoyed orientation and dinner together. Some of you, I suspect, started exploring Oxford straightaway. I watched a bit of the Spain vs. Germany Euro soccer finals.
This morning our tour guide, Debbie, gave us an overview of how Oxford University works. The video of that description appears with this post. She was a good and enthusiastic tour guide, in my opinion. Sorry the sound is a bit off.
Tonight we have our first High Table and classes begin tomorrow. Ours meets from 9 to 11 a.m.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Are You Packed?
Some of you have already been traveling for awhile. The rest of us are making our last minute preparations. In addition to completing class plans (i.e., the syllabus, readings, excursions) there are personal preparations to make.
Among my problems to solve has been to arrange for dog care. Parker, our West Highland White Terrier, would be delighted to join us in England. Alas, it's not to be. He'll be very well cared for by a good friend.
What are your last minute stories? I'm really excited about starting to study media effects with you next week. See you soon.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Exploring Media in England
Studying media and media effects in England provides us some uncommon learning opportunities.
The British Grand Prix www.silverstone.co.uk/php/rm_overview.html -- one of the longest-standing races on the Formula 1 circuit -- is being held the weekend after we arrive (July 4-6). We will be hosted by the media staff for the British Grand Prix on a tour of the International Media Centre on Wednesday, July 2 as preparations are being finalized for hosting journalists from around the world.
As you make final preparations for your trip, take some time to explore a little about Formula 1 racing and the British Grand Prix. We are exceedingly fortunate to be provided the opportunity to visit the International Media Centre. One member of the UGA at Oxford on-site staff said, "This is an opportunity many people would die for."
The British Grand Prix www.silverstone.co.uk/php/rm_overview.html -- one of the longest-standing races on the Formula 1 circuit -- is being held the weekend after we arrive (July 4-6). We will be hosted by the media staff for the British Grand Prix on a tour of the International Media Centre on Wednesday, July 2 as preparations are being finalized for hosting journalists from around the world.
As you make final preparations for your trip, take some time to explore a little about Formula 1 racing and the British Grand Prix. We are exceedingly fortunate to be provided the opportunity to visit the International Media Centre. One member of the UGA at Oxford on-site staff said, "This is an opportunity many people would die for."
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Preparing for Living in Oxford
Beyond preparing for our course together, I'm also preparing to live in Oxford for six weeks.
- I've talked with faculty friends who have taught in the Grady at Oxford program. They have given me practical tips from how to do laundry to where to buy groceries to some of their favorite dining establishments.
- I have UK, England and Oxford guidebooks scattered about the house.
- I'm following the news via BBC You can too -- www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/news/
- I just found this webcam. It's down right now, but should be cool if it comes back up soon. www.bbc.co.uk/oxford/content/webcams/oxford_high_st_webcam.shtml
So, what are you doing to prepare? Oh, I suppose I should think about what I'll pack, too...
Continuing the Countdown
Because I taught a graduate PR management class during Maymester, I am only now able to really turn my attention to our course. I'm getting excited about what we're going to be studying, and I hope you will be, too.
Social effects of mass media surround us. We see these effects on a daily basis, perhaps most recently with the political effects of mass demonstrations and their news coverage in Seoul, South Korea. Koreans are filling the streets with candles lit. They are protesting the import of U.S. beef (among other things). The effect of the demonstrations and their coverage has been that South Korean cabinet ministers have offered to resign their posts. A pretty dramatic social effect! As you prepare for your time at Oxford, please pay attention to how you see mass media having an impact on society. Your examples will provide great discussion fodder.
Well, I better get back to reading and preparation. June 28 is approaching fast!
Social effects of mass media surround us. We see these effects on a daily basis, perhaps most recently with the political effects of mass demonstrations and their news coverage in Seoul, South Korea. Koreans are filling the streets with candles lit. They are protesting the import of U.S. beef (among other things). The effect of the demonstrations and their coverage has been that South Korean cabinet ministers have offered to resign their posts. A pretty dramatic social effect! As you prepare for your time at Oxford, please pay attention to how you see mass media having an impact on society. Your examples will provide great discussion fodder.
Well, I better get back to reading and preparation. June 28 is approaching fast!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Welcome to the Grady at Oxford Blog
As I was thinking about best ways to communicate as we lead up to class and during our summer together in Oxford, I decided a weblog would be just the thing. Each of you will be able to view, read, and post material. Also, if you'd like family or friends to be able to read the blog, you can provide me with their e-mail addresses and I'll invite them as read-only members of our blog community. The blog should do several things for us.
1. We can communicate about class issues. For example, here I can give you information about where our textbook is available. The book for our seminar is titled "Fundamentals of Media Effects" and was written in 2001 by Jennings Bryant and Susan Thompson. It will be available at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford (http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/jsp/bobuk_editorial/services/shops/SHOP52.jsp). Shortly after your arrival in Oxford, you can wander over to Blackwell's to pick up your book.
2. We can discuss ideas that are raised in class and through our excursions (more about those later).
3. We can offer each other tips about good shopping, restaurants, pubs, walks, entertainment, short trips and more. We can also use this cite to share observations about our living in Oxford and traveling in England and perhaps beyond.
4. We can post pictures and video to show a bit about where we are and what we're learning.
I hope by now you agree that a Grady at Oxford blog will serve many purposes.
I'm looking forward to our time together -- only 24 days until we leave!
1. We can communicate about class issues. For example, here I can give you information about where our textbook is available. The book for our seminar is titled "Fundamentals of Media Effects" and was written in 2001 by Jennings Bryant and Susan Thompson. It will be available at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford (http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/jsp/bobuk_editorial/services/shops/SHOP52.jsp). Shortly after your arrival in Oxford, you can wander over to Blackwell's to pick up your book.
2. We can discuss ideas that are raised in class and through our excursions (more about those later).
3. We can offer each other tips about good shopping, restaurants, pubs, walks, entertainment, short trips and more. We can also use this cite to share observations about our living in Oxford and traveling in England and perhaps beyond.
4. We can post pictures and video to show a bit about where we are and what we're learning.
I hope by now you agree that a Grady at Oxford blog will serve many purposes.
I'm looking forward to our time together -- only 24 days until we leave!
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