This lesson provides a platform in which students can critically analyze popular television programs and the impact of popular media. By looking at the media critically, students develop an awareness of the messages that are portrayed through the television programs. Students analyze the portrayal of different groups of people in the media, investigate social values presented in the media, and consider television's influence on personal and societal values. (author/ncl)

In connection with this lesson on critical media literacy, students in marketing and arts and communications can discuss issues pertaining to cultural sensitivity as well as analyze spoken and unspoken messages and how they are communicated. The online article entitled “Skills and Strategies for Media Education” asks students to look closely at how media messages are constructed. Visual design and media arts students can use what they are learning in their courses to deconstruct and “see through” media messages. (sec)