MFC5112 - Understanding Disney

Objectives:

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

(1) demonstrate critical understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on Disney film culture;
(2) critically analyse examples of Disney film culture;
(3) deploy basic research skills
(4) demonstrate the effective use of a range of sources and conceptual frameworks in the analysis of an agreed Disney topic.

Content:

The module will introduce students to a range of frameworks for the analysis of the Disney phenomena. It will examine the role of Walt Disney as storyteller, artist and founder of an animation film studio. It will explore Disney’s innovations in technology and merchandising, the relationship between the ‘classic’ Disney formula for fairy-tale animation features and traditional storytelling. The business practices of the Disney Corporation in the contemporary media environments and the strategies adopted to maintain the Disney brand, including their ethical dimensions, will also be examined. The place of Disney in the cultural landscape of Britain and the USA will be considered, as will responses to Disney products across the world.

The module also provides an introduction to academic research and the skills required for effective independent study.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The scheme assumes recruitment of 30.
Learning in semester 2 will take place through workshops designed to foster skills of independent study and research.

Lectures
Contact hours 10
Number of groups 1

Seminars
Contact hours 10
Number of groups 1

Workshops
Contact hours 10
Number of groups 2 x 15

Guided Independant Study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment
The Portfolio will normally include analysis of materials studied in semester 1 and evidence of planning for the essay. The detailed requirements of the Portfolio will be published in the module handbook.

Students must complete and submit both forms of assessment to be eligible to pass the module.
Students permitted to take a half-module for the award of 10 credits in semester 1 will be assessed on the basis of an essay of 2000 words. Not available as a half-module in semester 2.

Assessment:

001 Portfolio 1 x 1500 words equivalent (sem 1) 40%
002 Essay 1 x 2500 words (end of sem 2) 60%
003 Portfolio 1 x 1000 words equivalent (end of sem 1) - Visiting students 100%


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