Said ACHOU

October 27, 2008 MMC 1000 Essay NO. 2


1. Have you enjoyed reading the Wall Street Journal? Explain why

you have enjoyed it, or why not?

To be honest, before September 2008, reading the WSJ was not one of my

habits. I used to read the newspapers but not on a daily basis. Now as

I’m taking the Mass Media Communication class and as our weekly quizzes

are about some of the WSJ’s articles, I’ve started to spend more time reading

this Journal which I honestly enjoy. Sometimes, I not only read the assigned

articles that will be in the quiz, but I also read about different topics ranging

from international to local news. I have also become acquainted with how

the financial sector and business community are doing, because I know that

sooner or later, we will be affected by what they do or think. By doing so,

I can proudly say that my vocabulary has expanded as I acquire news word

each day.

2. How has reading the newspapers helped you learn about the

MMC? Explain, and give some examples of what you’ve learned.

In reading the WSJ, I’ve learned a lot about MMC. In the Market Place

Section, in which most of our quizzes are about, there are many articles that

cover several topics about all forms of Mass Media including TV, radio,

internet,magazines etc…Thus, in reading those articles, I’ve constructed

a clear idea about all the recent technologies invented in these domains as

well as all the financial problems they face. I’ve learned how the economic

turmoil affects big companies like Yahoo Corp. or Google forcing them

to lay off a hundreds of employees. I also learned about the problems

some newspapers like The Star Ledger of Newark, NJ encounter which

threaten the journal to stop being published unless its editors reach

an agreement with the Truck Union.

3. Compared to traditional textbook-based study and learning

methods, is reading the newspaper a better or worse

educational experience? Expand your answers with details and

examples.

There is no doubt that reading the newspapers is much more better

than reading the textbook which offers just broad definitions and

history of the means of mass media. However, reading the WSJ entitles

us to be informed about all the current events either social, economical,

political etc….Frankly, I’ve learned many things since I’ve started to read

the WSJ every day. In fact, reading the textbook is important too, but

for me, I prefer this method of reading the WSJ because it is more

beneficial for us, the students, and directly introduce us to the field of

Journalism in which most of us want to make a career in.

4. Has the reading assignment changed your behavior, i.e., your

daily schedule, your study habits, your desire for news and information?

In fact, the reading assignment has changed my behavior, especially my

schedule. Before September 2008, I had no special plan early in the morning

except having my breakfast and revising some of my courses. But things have

changed two months ago as I’ve started to read the WSJ. At first, I felt

obliged to read it because it is a part of the syllabus, but I got accustomed to

it as time goes on. My schedule now has changed as I pick up the WSJ everyday

at 7:30 am and read some if its articles. I really enjoy reading it now and I don’t

feel I’m obliged to read it anymore as I read other articles which are not part

of the quiz. This habit has helped me a lot to improve my vocabulary and

expand my general information.

5. Are the weekly quizzes an effective way to measure what you’ve

learned by reading the WSJ? if yes, why? if no, why? Add

suggestionsfor other ways to measure learning.

Undoubtedly, the weekly quizzes are a good way to push us to read the

newspaper and actually they have been effective, at least for me. It was

a smart professional method to introduce us to the newspapers especially

if we know that reading in general has declined because most of people

nowadays prefer to look for information on TV, internet etc…Like I said

these quizzes have helped us to be informed of several topics about mass

media communication. As for me, I really enjoy reading these articles and

I think it would be a good idea if the quizzes are varied and deal with other

topics like politics or economics. I’m quite sure I will continue to read this

amazing paper regardless of whether it is in the quiz or not.

6. How likely are you to renew your subscription to the WSJ after

this semester? Give an expansive answer, with reasons.

I’m seriously thinking about renewing my subscription to the WSJ after this

semester, for the simple reason that I believe this experience has helped me

to read and learn about several topics I would not think or have the chance to

look or search for them on TV or on the net. The WSJ has also been an

effective way for me to improve my vocabulary and writing skills. I believe

reading the WSJ on a daily basis is the first step that should be made for

students who are willing to have a career in Journalism