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On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1 - Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary broadcast television and streaming platforms;
2 - Demonstrate an understanding of television genres and formats within an industrial framework; and,
3 - Develop an understanding of media audiences and associated theoretical contexts.
You will be introduced to streaming platforms and linear broadcasters. You will explore institutions such as the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube. Each topic will be supported by relevant broadcast content from that platform to inform and inspire discussion. You will explore and analyse a variety of genres, both traditional and contemporary and across a range of media platforms. You will explore the specific history, codes and conventions, audience engagement/demographic and market for each. You will discuss how formats are made and sold globally, why some are successful and others fail and the continued appeal of large-scale entertainment formats, drama, documentaries and reality television.
The module connects with the rest of your degree programme by creating a historical, industrial and theoretical context that will help inform your practical modules at Level 4 and beyond. The media is moving at a rapid rate and it is therefore imperative you can understand not only key reference points but also the contemporary landscape and impact of new technologies.
You will be taught in one three-hour block and this will be broken down into three distinct elements. The first will be an interactive lecture that will focus on a different topic each week (one hour). The second will be a workshop which will explore the post-activity from the week before and may take the form of a group work exercise or quiz (one hour). The final element will consist of a relevant screening aligned to the weekly topic, followed by a discussion of key themes (one hour). In addition to the weekly classes you will be expected to work independently on post-activity tasks. This may include reading material beforehand, formulating ideas or watching additional content in preparation for the following week.
Interactive Lectures
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: 15-20
Workshops
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: 15-20
Screenings
Hours: 10
Intended Group Size: 15-20
Guided independent study
Hours: 120
Further Details Relating to Assessment
The end of semester assessment will offer you the opportunity to complete either a portfolio or, alternatively, a video presentation. The video will be uploaded to a Panopto link on the Moodle page. This assessment will form 100% of the overall module mark. The assessment will allow you to focus on one platform, genre or format of your choice studied on this module. You will address what specific elements help make it a success (or failure); how the platform, genre or format serves the needs and expectations of the audience; and outline what the future may hold in the ever evolving media landscape. Additional resources for the assessment will be uploaded to Moodle and distributed as handouts where applicable. The Learning Hub will deliver a mid-semester session to support your understanding of the assignment topic. The video presentation will be expected to include accompanying PowerPoint slides (or alternative) and a voice-over.
Full details of the assessment are contained within the Module Handbook. There will also be an accompanying ‘Unpacking the Assessment’ video available on Moodle, which will cover both the written and video presentation options.
There will be a formative assessment within the first four weeks of the module. You will receive feedback for this piece of work, which will help feed forward to the end of semester summative assessment.
001 Portfolio or Video Presentation; 1500 words or 5 mins; end Sem 2 100%
Module Coordinator - David Dodd
Level - 4
Credit Value - 15
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 4S2