UNILWYL 1430

Reality Check: Labor, Identity and Culture in Reality TV

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

How are notions of race, gender and sexuality shaped through reality dating shows? How does reality television normalize surveillance? Why are networks and streaming services investing in new reality television content? While reality television might serve as a form of escapism, entertainment and fun, these shows are also cultural products reflecting norms about identity, relationships, and society. Through a focus on shows like Love Island and Survivor, students will be introduced to core concepts in media studies and learn how to critically examine popular culture through screenings, optional readings, and class discussions.

Enrollment Information REF-F25 Priority given to: Becker House residents.

Last 3 terms offered 2025SP

Learning Outcomes REF-FA25

• Critically analyze representations of gender, race, and sexuality in reality television.
• Analyze television (and popular culture) as a text using frameworks from media studies.
• Articulate the differences between cultural criticism and empirical research.
• Discuss the historical and industrial importance of the reality TV genre.

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