FT3MT-Millennial Television

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites: FT1ITV Introduction to Television or FT2PTG Popular Television Genres
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Module Convenor: Dr Faye Woods

Email: f.woods@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is taught twice to two different cohorts of students - first in the Autumn term and then repeated in the Spring term.  The 200 contact hours are listed for the first iteration of teaching in the Autumn term, and these same contact hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching in the Spring term.

This module can be undertaken in either the Autumn or the Spring terms.   This module explores some of the most significant critical approaches to, scholarly debates surrounding, and textual developments within contemporary television. The module considers relevant critical debates and approaches to the study of selected British and American television programmes and their relationship to shifting cultural boundaries, including new media texts. The module explores television and new media targeted at the millennial generation, together with industrial shifts in the production and distribution of television. It will explore the industrial context, audience relationships and representations involved in British and American programming. It will consider drama, factual programming and web series, their industrial and cultural contexts, and engage with critical debates surrounding ideology, authorship, representation, narrative, transmedia and participatory culture.

Aims:
This module aims to develop analytical skills and industrial knowledge through close analysis of televisual and connected texts alongside an awareness of larger industrial and cultural contexts. It will explore how narratives, representations and aesthetics are impacted by contextual factors. 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 of the industrial and institutional contexts that shape contemporary television and surrounding texts.
􀀕 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 television texts and genres of television address and engage with social, cultural and ideological issues.
􀀕 compare and contrast British and American exponents of contemporary television, and understand these within larger processes of globalisation and industry.

Additional outcomes:
Additional outcomes
􀀕 utilize new media forms to present analysis
􀀕 develop strong communication skills
􀀕 observe the shifting status and forms of contemporary storytelling
􀀕 question the cultural status and value of different media forms

Outline content:
The Autumn term will cover a case study of television and new media targeted at the millennial generation. It will explore the industrial context, audience relationships and representations involved in British and American programming. It will consider drama, factual programming, web series and short-form video, engaging with critical debates surrounding ideology, authorship, legitimation, narrative, participatory culture and transmedia.

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

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 new media and social media elements may be involved.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	16
Supervised time in studio/workshop	32
Guided independent study	152
Total hours by term	200.00
Total hours for module	200.00

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener 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[1] (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:
A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Submission of a new coursework brief

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
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: 4 December 2018