The first step is to select a show. A list of reality television shows can be found by searching online (e.g., http://www.realitytvworld.com/realitytvworld/allshows.shtml, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_reality_television_programs, http://www.tv.com/shows/category/reality/).
After viewing at least 3 hours of your chosen reality television series, select 2-3 nonverbal topics from class (e.g., face, physical appearance, gestures, etc.). Then locate and read 3-5 scholarly journal articles on each of the nonverbal topics. Compare the scholarly findings (assumed to be “real”) with the nonverbal communication of one or more of the television personalities to determine if the television personality or personalities are or are not “real.” Be as specific as possible when citing examples from the television show and research.
The paper must be between 8 and 10 pages in length (not including the cover and reference pages or any tables or figures) and must follow the policies for written assignments outlined in the course syllabus. The paper needs to be organized as follows (or in a similar manner):
Introduction – Introduce the topic, give thesis, and preview to provide organization of the paper in a preview statement.
Summary of the show – In about one page, explain the premise of the program and the story behind the personality or personalities to be discussed in the paper.
Provide a literature review of 3-5 scholarly articles on the topics that you are focusing on in your paper.
Provide a summary of the 2-3 aspects of nonverbal communication observed in your 3 hours of viewing. Be detailed when describing the behavior of your subject(s).
Discussion – Summarize the “findings” and support your thesis that the personality or personalities are or are not “real.” Relate your observations and descriptions of their behavior to the material in Knapp, Hall, and Horgan (2014) and to the findings from your literature review.
Conclusion – Review thesis and provide summary of main points following the organization of the paper.
NOTE: As part of this assignment, you must submit your paper to Safe Assign prior to turning it into the instructor. Safe Assign is a function on Blackboard that checks for plagiarism. I will provide directions for using Safe Assign prior to the paper’s due date.