Mass media theory and research as they relate to children. Substantive areas include children's media use and comprehension, content of children's television programming, television and the family, children and advertising, and the media's contribution to social values and roles. Students will gain an understanding of the role of the media in children's lives.
Text:
Signorielli, N. (1991). A sourcebook on children and television. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Evaluation:
Your grade for the course will depend upon:
CLASS PARTICIPATION (25 points)
LIVING WITH PAPER (25 points) -- Due 3/17
BIBLIOGRAPHY/OUTLINE (10 points) -- Due 4/12
LITERATURE REVIEW (30 points) -- Due 5/22 (9 AM)
GROUP PRESENTATION (20 points)
EXAM #1 (30 points) -- 3/8
EXAM #2 (30 points) -- 5/17
Assignments:
There are two papers, two exams, and a group presentation. All written assignments must be completed on a word processor.
(1) "Living With Children's Television" (25 points)
The subject matter for this 5 page paper is television programming for children. Select one children's television program. First, it will be necessary to delve into the history of the program. When did it first air? Who is producing it? How long has it been on the air? Is it an arm of a toy company? (This section of the paper is worth 10 points.)
Second, watch at least three episodes of the programming focusing upon the images present, the themes presented, the characterizations, the presentation of violence. What kinds of images are children seeing? How are males and females presented? Who is powerful? Who is at risk? Is it funny? etc. (This section of the paper is worth 15 points)
(2) Literature Review (10-15 pgs) (40 points-total) (Outline - Bibliography - Final Draft)
Select one of the following topics as related to children's television and write a 10 page research paper. You should focus specifically upon research conducted in this area. Use the on-line computerized abstracts in the library to find journal articles and/or books related to your specific topic. Try to narrow your topic as much as possible.
Comprehension of Television
Attention to Television
Uses of Television
The Family and Television
Sex and Occupation Roles in Children's Television
Violence in Children's Programming
Commercials and Advertising
Children, Learning, and Television
Academic Achievement and Television
VCR's, Cable, and Children
The History of Children's Television
Policy Issues and Children's Television
The Children's Television Act
You must first complete an outline and bibliography; this portion of the assignment is worth 10 points. The completed literature review is worth 30 points.
(3) Exams (30 points each)
There will be 2 exams focusing upon the materials covered in class and the readings. The exams will be in short answer/ essay format.
(4) In class group presentation/paper (20 points)
There are 9 possible group presentation topics. Each group of 3 to 5 people will report upon one of these topics. The presentation should take about forty minutes with some additional time for class discussion. You many use audio-visual aids; just let me know ahead of time if you need a VCR or any other equipment and I will arrange for it.
Feb. 22: The History of Children's Television
Mar. 1: Barter Arrangements for Children's Programs
Mar. 17: Children's Game Shows
Mar. 24: Sex and Occupational Roles in Children's Picture Books
Apr. 7: Sex Roles in Children's Programs
Apr. 12: Good and Bad Violence in Children's Programs
Apr. 26: Food Commercials Aimed at Children
Apr. 28: Toy Commercials
May 8: Critical Television Viewing Skills
2/6: Background - General Introduction to Course
2/8: Children's Television - History CH. 1
2/10-13: Children, TV, & Regulation CH. 2
2/15-17-20: Attention and Comprehension CH. 3
2/24: Report: History of Children's TV 2/24: Formal Attributes CH. 4
2/27: Imagination CH. 5
3/1: Report: Barter Arrangements
3/3-6: Uses of Television CH. 6
3/8: Exam # 1
3/10-15: World of Children's Television CH. 7
3/17: Report: Children's Game Shows PAPER NO. 1 ("Living With") DUE
3/20-22: Sex and Occupational Roles CH. 8
3/24: Report: Sex and Occupational Roles in Picture Books
4/3,5,10: Violence CH. 9 4/7: Report: Sex Roles in Children's Programs
4/12: Report: Good and Bad Violence in Children's Programs
BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR FINAL RESEARCH PAPER DUE
4/14: Library Day/Conferences
4/17: Fear
4/19-21-24: Advertising CH. 10
4/26: Report: Food Commercials Aimed at Children
4/28: Report: Toy Commercials
5/1-3-5: Academic Achievement CH. 11
5/8: Report: Critical Television Viewing Skills
5/10-12: The New Technologies CH. 12
5/15: Library Day/Conferences
5/17: Second Exam
5/22: Final Papers Due 9AM