1. MASS HYSTERIA WAR OF THE WORLDS NPR RADIOLAB BROADCAST

2. 1898 H.G. Wells Sci-fi novel portraying an alien invasion of Earth. 1938 Orson Welles’ radio play for Halloween Adaptation of novel War of the Worlds Portrayed Martians invading New Jersey. WAR OF THE WORLDS

3. PARTICIPATION CREDIT You will listen to a 28 minute broadcast and commentary. Take notes on 10 pieces of information, evidence, or observations that you make during either the original broadcast or included commentary. Listening notes will be submitted at the end of the exercise.

4. WAR OF THE WORLDS ORSON WELLES’ BROADCAST http://www.radiolab.org/story/91622-war-of-the-worlds/ Radio Lab Broadcast

5. GROUP DISCUSSION 1.Explain how the effects of the Welles’ radio drama are examples of hysteria. 2.What caused a simple radio performance to become mass hysteria? 3.What examples of mass hysteria have occurred prior and/or post this 1938 incident in history? 4.What other events may not be deemed as mass hysteria, yet have exploded due to the media’s influence? 5.How does media impact society and influence mass hysteria?