FS30200 21st Century Television

Academic Year 2020/2021

Contemporary television is in a state of flux, wherein a “post-network era” characterized by uncertainties surrounding the viability of established channels and networks in the face of rapid technological change are matched by laudatory comments hailing the emergence of “quality TV” and a reputed “second golden age.” Showcasing the diversity of 21st century television, this module examines both cultural attitudes toward the medium, as well as the complex interplay between shifting societal attitudes and developments in technological infrastructure that shape contemporary televisual landscapes. Through a detailed examination of television genres and modalities such as screen comedy, television series revivals, reality television, contemporary series hailed as “quality” television, as well as the amateur output that video platforms such as YouTube facilitate, students will appreciate how contemporary debates on issues such as race, class, as well as sexual and generational identities both shape and are shaped by contemporary television.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Successful completion of this module will enable students to:

• Identify current trends in television broadcasting
• Appreciate how the proliferation of screen technologies has impacted upon viewing practices
• Critically analyse the construction of gender in a variety of television texts
• Trace how critical terms such as “quality” have shifted over time in relation to television
• Analyse an episode from a contemporary television series that both identifies the key genre features and unpacks the ideological underpinnings of the text
• Write an essay on an aspect of contemporary television programming that develops an argument encompassing the institutional, societal and cultural features that shape the text.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Laboratories

30
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

120
Total

200
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching methods include lectures and critical seminar discussions and analysis. Classes will be a combination of lecture, seminar, and written and oral theoretical and analytical exercises. Students will be expected to attend all classes and screenings, read from a wide selection of sources, comment upon the readings (both online in the group discussion boards and in class) and participate in class discussion.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Essay: Media Exercise: Analyse an episode from a contemporary television series that both identifies the key genre features and unpacks the ideological underpinnings of the text
Week 6 n/a Graded No

20
Journal: Creative reflection on learning during the module. Week 12 n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10
Continuous Assessment: Students will give one presentation during the semester and engage in class discussion. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20
Essay: Final Essay: Write an essay on an aspect of contemporary television programming that develops an argument addressing the institutional, societal and cultural features that shape the text. Week 12 n/a Graded No

50

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Self-assessment activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Global feedback to the entire class will be delivered in a lecture after assessed components. Students will also have an opportunity to meet with lecturer during scheduled personal feedback sessions during the term, as well as by personal appointment during weekly consultation hours, especially in lead up to final assignment.