Religion and the MediaLesson 1: How influential is the media?

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2Starter: Complete the media audit on your hand out

and then answer the question below.

In groups, discuss what your results

show. To what extent does the media influence your thoughts and

beliefs...

Note down how many minutes a day you spend doing the following: Watching TV, Listening to the radio, On the internet, Reading newspapers

or magazines, Reading a book, Listening to music, Playing computer games, Going to the cinema/watching DVDs.

Add up your total Multiply this by 7 Multiply this by 52

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Lesson objectives

To analyse the impact of the media on our own thoughts and beliefs.

To describe how society and individuals are influenced by the media and consider the potential positive and negative consequences of media, for religion.

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What is ‘media’?

The word media refers to any type of mass communication.

There are many different forms of media and within the last 10 years the use of social media has increased dramatically.

The media plays a very important role in modern society and can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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5How influential is the media?

Complete Task 2 – The influence of the media

Complete your own answers and then go around the room and compare your answers with your colleagues. Try to find people with different answers to your own. Then form a new group.

1. Discuss your similarities and differences and then answer the following questions:2. How has the influence of the media changed over time…3. Do you think there has been an increase or decrease in media

coverage of religion and has this had a positive or negative impact on your thoughts and beliefs. (Need some inspiration, scan the QR code at the top of the page).

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How influential is the media?

Now, draw and complete the following table

In your groups list the positive and negative influences of the media, generally.

Extension: What positive/negative influences has the media had on Religion…

Positive influences

Negative influences

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7Plenary

Answer the following questions in your books

Research has shown that there has been increased interest in religious discussion in the media.

How have your views, beliefs and opinions about religion been influenced by the media. Do you think the portrayal of religion in the media is positive or negative – justify your answer, with examples if possible.

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Homework

Find a news article that makes reference to religion. You need to print their article ready for a group-based discussion next lesson.