This module explores key theories in arts and social sciences and applies them to film and television. It examines a number of critical approaches to the study of culture, for example Marxism, feminism, queer theory, critical race theory, psychoanalysis, postcolonial theory, trans-national and trans-media theories. In that this is an optional module, to well utilise the university resource, the module delivery is subject to meeting a minimum number of students (10).
A. Explore the development of film and television as both a specific form and as part of changing forms of content as technologies advance
B. Articulate film and television’s convergence with networked computer technologies
The teaching philosophy of the module follows very much the philosophy of Syntegrative Education. This has meant that the teaching delivery pattern, which follows more intensive block teaching, allows more meaningful contribution from industry partners. This philosophy is carried through also in terms of assessment, with reduction on the use of exams and increase in coursework, especially problem-based assessments that are project focused. The delivery pattern provides space in the semester for students to concentrate on completing the assessments. The teaching sessions are divided into two components (lectures and tutorials/screenings). The lectures will complement readings on the development of film and television as specific technologies with particular forms of content and their transformation into digital technologies with unclear delineations and readings on the critical approaches to the study of media and culture. Lectures will also instruct students in the construction of critical arguments about the relationship between film, television, and culture. The tutorials/screenings will focus on related film and television shows each week and provide time for unstructured discussion. In that this is an optional module, to well utilise the university resource, the module delivery is subject to meeting a minimum number of students (10).