FT3TI-Television Industries

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: FT1ITV Introduction to Television or FT2PTG Popular Television Genres
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Faye Woods
Email: f.woods@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This industry studies module explores the current make-up and practices of the US and British television industries and related digital media forms. It will consider their place in the global marketplace alongside questions of power and agency – who gets to make television and what structures shape this? Through a focus on production and distribution cultures this module will analyse channels, streaming platforms and programming (which may include Channel 4, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+ and Youtube). This module will explore how different outlets and their programming have developed and will track how the industry responds to the fast pace of technological, political and social change. We will chart trends and cycles of programming, launches of new SVODs, delve into television history and explore breaking changes in the industry. Students will engage in long-form and case-study approaches to individual companies and their programming, responding to and charting real-time change, drawing on industry reporting as well as key concepts in academic work on television industries.

Aims:

This module aims to develop analytical skills and industrial knowledge through long-form and case-study approaches to television industries, channels, platforms and programming. It will explore how the television industry responds to competition, technological change and audience demand. Students will engage with critical debates through discussion and analysis of texts, applying this knowledge to analysis of creative decision-making and wider ideological concerns.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding the factors shaping media institutions and business practices in the 21st century


• Make informed use of appropriate critical and conceptual frameworks for the analysis of specific texts, aesthetics, narratives, genres, media and national contexts


• Analyse and evaluate the ways in which specific companies, channels and plat forms build and reshape their brand identities


• Evaluate and respond to specialised press coverage of the television industry


• Compare and contrast British and American television industries, and understand these within larger processes of globalisation and industry

Additional outcomes:

• utilize new media forms to present analysis 


• develop strong communication skills


• observe the shifting status and business models of contemporary television industries


• question the cultural status and value of different media forms

Outline content:

Through a focus on production and distribution cultures this module will analyse channels, streaming platforms and programming (which may include Channel 4, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Disney+ and Youtube). It will explore how different outlets and their programming have developed and will track how the industry responds to the fast pace of technological, political and social change.

Global context:

This module explores both British and American television industries, with some address to international industries and global markets

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Within the two hour class a range of teaching styles will be used and vary from week to week. Short lectures may be used where appropriate to introduce contextual or critical issues for discussion. The primary teaching method will be discussion based around prepared reading and close analysis of texts screened in advance. Short presentations or new media-based activities may be involved, prepared by individuals or small groups for larger group discussion. Creative projects that engage with ne w media and social media elements may be involved. 

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		18
Supervised time in studio/workshop		36
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		12
Wider reading (directed)		30
Advance preparation for classes		25
Preparation for seminars		24
Essay preparation		50
Reflection		5
Total hours by term	0		0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

2 assignments

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: £20 – Not required, but Netflix and Disney+ subscriptions would be useful for their case-study weeks although screenings will be available at Dept screenings and sign ins can be shared. 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 12 October 2021