The Politics of Reality TV
In this 10-week online course, we will learn about and apply political science concepts to the exciting world of reality TV.
Dr. Matthew Hall
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(34)
What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursAssessment
A one-page written assessment available upon request upon completion of course.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
This is a course on the politics of reality TV. It introduces a variety of political science concepts, which are then used in discussions and analysis of multiple reality TV subgenres. This course is intended for anyone interested in politics as well as those of us fascinated by reality TV! Students are taught to apply the basic concepts of political science to the genre in a way that illuminates and explains the world of reality TV. My classes are intended to promote relevant, interactive discussion. We will also use the chat function as needed. I will also use short video clips throughout the semester to illustrate various concepts and themes. The following is our course schedule (subject to change with advance notice): Section 1: A Political Science Primer Week 1: Course introduction -- What is political science? Why is it important? What is reality TV? Why is it so popular? Week 2: Political Attitudes -- What are they and why do they matter? Week 3: Political Ideology -- What is it and why does it matter? Week 4: Game Theory and Risk Management Section 2: Reality TV (the shows listed below in parentheses are examples of shows we will be discussing) Week 5: The History and Evolution of reality TV Week 6: The Reality of Existence (Survivor, Alone, Naked and Afraid, The Real World, ) Week 7: The Reality of Being Rich (Housewives, Kardashians, Yummy Mummies) Week 8: The Reality of Love (90 Day Fiancée, The Bachelor, Married at First Sight, Love is Blind, Love on the Spectrum) Week 9: The Reality of Competition (The Great British Bakeoff, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, Project Runway, Nailed It) Week 10: The Reality of Fixing People and their Homes (House Hunters, Selling Sunset, Sparking Joy, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy)
Learning Goals
Students will be introduced to a variety of concepts relevant to politics, such as the difference between political ideology and political attitudes, what constitutes and distinguishes between labels such as 'conservative' and 'liberal', power, game theory, and risk management. Students will have a chance to apply what they have learned to reality TV.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Reality TV is controversial, just in general. Some of the shows we will be discussing, in particular dating shows, contain frank discussions of matters related to sex. I will not be using any clips of this nature in class. We will, however, be touching on subjects such as traditional dating roles, sexism, etc.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
All political science concepts can be found in Patrick O'Neill's The Essentials of Comparative Politics. This is a popular introductory textbook widely and cheaply available online.
Joined January, 2022
5.0
34reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a political science professor, I have taught similar lessons regarding politics and culture in a variety of courses. I have appeared on two separate episodes of reality TV shows, decades apart, (Iron Chef and House Hunters International) and have maintained a strong, passionate interest in the genre since its inception.Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $200 for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-12 learners per class
