Blog #3: Parasocial Relationships with TV Characters

First, please read the three assigned articles. Once you have done that, take a stab at the following questions: 1) Can you formulate a basic definition of parasocial relationships? 2) Do you think that TV audiences form "relationships" with media characters (including fictional characters)? If so, what are the nature of these relationships and how do they differ from real relationships? 3) What are the theoretical foundations of these relationships? Can you make an "effects" claim? 4) At what point does a parasocial relationship cross the line from being healthy to unhealthy?

Due: Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.

Blog #2: The Media and Body Image

For today's assignment I'm going to have you do a couple of things. First, please read the two assigned articles. Next, please select a health or fitness magazine (if you are male select a men's magazine, if you are a female select a women's magazine). Spend some time reading or viewing the magazine. Now, tell me how this magazine "defines" or constructs the concept of "health." You're going to have to think deeply about how the magazine frames health and what it means to be healthy. How is this depicted visually and textually? What are the socio-cultural ideals presented in these magazines? Following from our last conversation, who might be vulnerable to these representations and why? Can you make an effects claim and ground it in theory? Finally, how did reading this magazine make you feel about your own physical self-concept?

Due: Sept. 16 @ 5 p.m.