5V Learning Something New

Agency is a word I am not too familiar with. I know of the basic definition referring to an organization such as the CIA for example. I was unaware that there was a different definition than the one I was used to hearing in the news or in school. As I researched a different use of the word I found this definition; An agency may be classified as unconscious, involuntary behavior or purposeful, goal directed activity (intentional action). Before finding this definition I was puzzled to why an agency would have related to the topics we’ve been discussing in inquiry class this week but I now know why there is a connection.

The readings this week talk about different tips and strategies to becoming a successful college student, which would require an agency. This is important in college because no one is telling a student when assignments are due and when to start their homework, they're all on their own. Being an “agent” in college means making unconscious decisions to complete homework and assignments on time. This is so much different from high school where the teachers would tell the class directly what is due the following day. Teachers in high school would also alert you if you are missing work or a test. College professor don’t do what high school teachers do. In college it is your responsibility to know what is due and when it’s due, which is a huge responsibility for first year students because they are not used to this from their teachers. This teaches first year students how to become responsible and independent during their first semester which is something new to most. So far this semester I have been an agent through my school work because I have made unconscious efforts to do my homework and assignments on time without forcing myself to do so.

My media class is the only class I’m taking this semester where we are constantly discussing and learning new vocabulary words. This week we read chapter 8 and discussed the key terms which are located in the back of every chapter. This week the two most important words we needed to know from the chapter was mainstream culture and referent class. Mainstream culture refers to the core beliefs and values that have been part of American dialogue since the 1600’s that are accepted by the majority of Americans. Referent class refers to a subgroup against which the mainstream culture measures itself. These two words are important to know because chapter 8 talks about and discuss culture and how persuasion is affected by the culture. It is very important in my media class to know and be familiar with all the definitions because it makes for better class discusion and a better grade on the next test.