MFC6202 - Contemporary Cult Television

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1 Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary US and UK cult television productions (to include reference to producers, texts, module defined contexts and audiences)
2 Demonstrate advanced research, theoretical, critical and analytical skills through the production of an essay-based case study project
3 Demonstrate research and critical evaluation skills through the oral presentation of a research-based case study proposal

Content:

This module will examine contemporary ”cult” television in the form of “quality” drama productions, cult TV series/serials, reality shows and cult comedy shows produced both in the USA and the UK but marketed, distributed and screened globally. It will address industrial, creative and aesthetic issues relating to production values, format etc (industrial context); cultural, political and societal issues in relation to the “contemporary” nature of content (cultural/historical context); and critical and theoretical issues in relation to drama, narrative, scriptwriting, storytelling etc. The module will focus on producers, texts and audiences/fans and in particular on the reception and interactive use of cult TV texts in a “post-television” convergence age. Typical “texts” to be studied might include Lost; 24; Buffy The Vampire Slayer; Star Trek (various incarnations); Battlestar Galactica; Dr Who; The Office; X Factor; Big Brother etc.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheme below assumes recruitment of 30.

Lectures
Contact hours: 12
Number of Groups: 1

Seminars
Contact hours: 12
Number of Groups: 2 x 15

Screenings
Contact hours: 12
Number of Groups: 1

Assessment:

001 Oral presentation 1 x 1000 word equiv (Case-study proposal 20%
002 Case-study essay 1 x 4000 words 80%


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