FT1ATT-Approaches to Television

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Tonia Kazakopoulou
Email: a.kazakopoulou@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

In an era of intensified competition for audiences and technological innovation, the box in the corner has expanded to include a vast universe of televisual content that can be slipped into your pocket. In this module you will learn the tools to both analyse this wealth of programming and the industry that produces it. Considering contemporary developments alongside the extensive history of the form, it examines continuities rather than disruption. Centred on close analysis and critical reading, you will explore a range of exciting viewpoints and frameworks through which to approach television.

Aims:

• Enable students to demonstrate a critical understanding of the central issues of television studies.


• Develop textual analysis skills, analysing television fiction and non-fiction programming


• Discuss different industrial context and explore key theoretical debates


• Critically study areas such as television forms and narratives; industrial contexts; digital platforms and new delivery technologies; the place of the audience and the role of public service broadcasting; critically engaging with issues of quality


• The module seeks to provide students with the ability to critically engage with both texts and critical and contextual reading for essay writing and independent study.

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Demonstrate a familiarity with some of the most important critical terms and concepts used in the discussion and analysis of television


• Articulate a critical understanding of the development of selected television forms in their historical, cultural and institutional contexts


• Undertake close analysis of a range of television texts, from a variety of programme formats and genres, and where appropriate, to relate them to their contexts


• Demonstrate a critical awareness of key issues concerning audiences and television spectatorship, as well as evaluative discourses surrounding television.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of skills and competencies which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT; developing and presenting arguments in a range of written forms; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of television.

Outline content:

This module focuses on the critical evaluation of television programmes, the historical, cultural and political context of the medium, and the role of institutional and technological developments. Through lectures and seminars, the module introduces the skills of close analysis of television programmes, and explores critical approaches that have been developed for the study of television. The module will introduce students to key critical terms and debates in television studies (such as narrative, how audiences engage with television, the nature of public service broadcasting, and the impact of digital technologies on television delivery). The module centres on television in Britain, with some consideration of television in the USA and the global broadcasting landscape.

Global context:

This module explores British, American and some international texts, engaging with the transnational relationship between these industries and audiences as well as their international circulation.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The normal teaching pattern will be one lecture and one seminar per week. Lectures will be used to establish contexts and to introduce issues for discussion and debate. Seminars will concentrate mainly on the close analysis of extracts from television texts and the weekly reading.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	9
Seminars	9
Tutorials	2
Supervised time in studio/workshop	18
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	20
Wider reading (directed)	30
Advance preparation for classes	30
Preparation for seminars	20
Completion of formative assessment tasks	3
Group study tasks	10
Essay preparation	40
Reflection	9
Total hours by term	200	0	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	60
Set exercise	40

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A series of short written responses / exercises

1 written assessment

Formative assessment methods:

There will be oral feedback throughout the module.

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: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/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% module mark

Reassessment arrangements:

Submission of additional coursework.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: Subscription to some streaming services may be required to access screened materials (e.g. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Disney+, Mubi etc)

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 28 November 2023