Unit III Essay Questions

Note: I expect all essays in this class to be at LEAST 1 page long typed, double spaced (12 pt TNR font) or equivalent. For some questions you may need significantly more space.

Question One

  1. In this essay I would like you to explore primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies.

Imagine that you are the president of the United States and are trying to reduce the incidence of poor diet in American young children (not enough veggies/fruits/vitamins, too much sugar/fat). What types of public policy initiatives could you pursue at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels to reduce the incidence of or effects of poor diet?

For each type of prevention, first define that type of prevention and then present 2 strategies to accomplish your goal. If it is not obvious why that strategy is either primary, secondary or tertiary prevention, make sure to give your reasons why you think it belongs in that category. [you should have 6 strategies total]

Hint: See the “Supplemental information on Prevention” in the Review Handout for this Unit

Question Two

  1. For this assignment you must watch at least 30 minutes of child-directed television media including ads (preferably not that directed at very young kids like Barney, but shows directed at slightly older children). Please read the section “The Challenge of Media” before you do this assignment. Here is a list of shows that are child directed to look for (you can choose another if you prefer):

PokemonYu-Gi-OhJackie ChanMucha Lucha

SpongebobScooby DoCrocodile HunterJeff Corwin

Hey ArnoldLizzie MacGuireThat’s so RavenLilo & Stich

Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesDragon TalesKim Possible

Power RangersX-Men

Note: I have purposefully chosen afternoon/weekend programming because this is when the CHILD is most likely to choose the show, but feel free to use any evening “family” shows if you prefer. Do NOT watch the Disney channel, since they do not advertise in the standard way.

In an essay, address the following questions:

  1. What show did you watch and what time was it on?
  2. How many ads did you see for nutritious vs. non-nutritious foods? Do you feel the ratio you observed was appropriate?
  3. What other products were being advertised? Was there any advertising you found inappropriate given the audience?
  4. How were the characters portrayed on the show? Did the show include any sexist, racist, ageist, etc. stereotypes?
  5. Describe the themes of the episode. Do you feel they foster prosocial or antisocial behaviors? If there was any aggression or violence, what were the consequences?
  6. In what ways, if any, do you feel this show would foster or impair the cognitive development of the child (was there new vocabulary, geography, general facts, interactive questions etc.)?
  7. Would you allow your child to watch this show? Why or why not?