Unit(s): Mass Communication
Purpose:
The purpose of this activity is to make students aware of their television viewing habits.
Objective:
Students will be able to analyze the influence of television on society.
Materials:
- Handout "Prime-Time Viewing Log"
- Handout "Analyzing Violent Incidents on Television"
- Videotape on one of the more violent action-adventure programs on television (edit titles, commercials, credits, etc. to save class time.)
Procedure:
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of watching a lot of television. Give students the handout "Prime-Time Viewing Log."
- One week later discuss the results.
- Discuss the effects of television violence on our society. give students the handout "Analyzing Violent Incidents on Television." Watch all or part of an episode of a violent program or ask them to watch one at home. have the students complete the handout and share their observations.
DIRECTIONS:
Use the following form to keep track of you prim-time viewing for one week.
Day Name of Show Time Minutes Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
DIRECTIONS:
Watch what many people believe to be one of the more violent action-adventure programs on television. Count the number of violent incidents on one episode. Take notes on the kinds of violent incidents that are shown and on how the incidents relate to the story. Use this sheet to record your observations. Be prepared to share your observations in class discussion.
1. Name of Program:
2. Network:
3. Time of airing:
4. Sponsor(s):
5. Number of incidents of violence:
6. Notes on the kinds of violent incidents and the relationship of the incidents to the story line.