Researching McLuhan's Contemporaries

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Researching McLuhan's Contemporaries

Project type: Web Quest

Related topic:
Marshall McLuhan, the Man and his Message

Subjects

English Language Arts

Summary

Using a variety of Web-based resources, students will research and prepare a profile, using any media presentation they wish, about a Canadian contemporary of Marshall McLuhan

Duration

2 to 3 lessons

Purpose

To investigate the impact of influential thinkers on Canada and the world

Materials

necessary materials for presentations

Before Exploring

Marshall McLuhan was a great thinker whose theories not only permeate society today, but have proven correct as we become an ever-more media-centred society. Other thinkers of McLuhan’s time studied his work, worked with him, or were influenced by him. In this activity, students will explore those thinkers connected to McLuhan.

Outline the Opportunity

Divide the class into small groups of no more than four or five. Each group will view Clip #9 on the Marshall McLuhan topic of the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site, and choose one of the figures mentioned in the clip. Each group will then complete in-depth research on the person chosen. Presentations should include the following:

Biography

Information about the person’s career and contributions

Explanation of how the person has impacted Canadian society and the world

Revisit and Reflect

Have students share their presentations with the class. When all presentations are complete, students may wish to compare and contrast the impact of each person on one another, on Canadian society, and on the world.