Examining Models
MULTIMODAL PROJECT
theatlantic.com, Think.Again
This video comes from The Atlantic magazine’s unique online project called "Think.Again." The thesis of this project, which features related articles, videos, and images, is "There are too many rote answers and not enough good questions." "Why does your dog pretend to like you?" is just one of the questions generated by the project. Other questions include: What’s the cost of being a nerd?; Who will own your next idea?; and When is evil cool? Watch this video, and then explore the connected articles online.
Reading the Genre
Question
1. First of all, why do you think dogs pretend to like their owners?
Question
2. Many of the people featured in this video respond by raising further questions that connect to the central concern. For instance, several people make statements about whether a dog can pretend. Generate a list of further questions that come to mind when you are asked why does your dog pretend to like you?
Question
3. The way we answer a question like this reveals a lot about our personality. Based on what they say, what can you infer about each of the individuals who spoke in this video? Write a short reflection, thinking about what our relationship with animals says about humans.
Question
4. WRITING: Read the linked article from The Atlantic magazine, "The Truth About Dogs," by Stephen Budiansky. This researched causal analysis essay explores canine genetics to try to answer the question "Why does your dog pretend to like you?" Choose another question and create your own causal analysis essay to propose an answer. Use research to support your analysis.
Question
5. COMPOSING VISUALLY: Choose a question and conduct some on-the-street interviews at your school to see how people respond. If you have access to a video camera, record this process and edit the footage into a short film showcasing a range of responses.