Bias and Crime in Media Lesson Plan

Crime Portrayal
Diversity in Media
Journalism & News
Religion
Stereotyping

Level: Grades 7-12

Duration: 1-2 hours

Author: Matthew Johnson, Director of Education, MediaSmarts

reading mediamedia representation

This lesson is part of USE, UNDERSTAND & ENGAGE: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools.

Overview

In this lesson students are introduced to the key media literacy concept that media are constructions that re-present reality and consider how representations of crime in news and entertainment media may influence how we perceive members of particular groups.

The concept that media communicate values and messages and have social implications is introduced and students discuss how stereotypes of particular groups are formed. Finally, students read a number of articles on the question of whether and when a person’s religion should be mentioned in a news article and create a public service announcement communication their opinion.

This lesson is part of the That's Not Me: Diversity in Media lesson series.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • become aware of how media representations of crime influence our attitudes towards diversity
  • communicate an opinion through artistic expression
  • create a media product

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) are available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.

Lesson Kit