In addition to the usual class responsibilities, Johns Hopkins requires participation in a symposium. At first, they were lectures that we had to show up and write a 500 word response to some related question … something that I have ridiculed to some extent in past postings.

This year, however, the format switched to listening to a segment of “On the Media” and proving we paid attention in a discussion room forum. From the requirements:

“Comments for a grade must refer directly to the program for that week and when appropriate previous posts or questions. To receive credit for a comment, it must be at least four sentences long and demonstrate both knowledge of the show and fresh thinking. Questions should demonstrate knowledge of the program or be directed to a specific previous post.”

It’s possible that this going to be even less useful academically than the lectures. This week’s “On the Media” addressed a recent FCC Indecency Ruling (subject of my statement) and the Media’s coverage of process stories (my question).