VSA3770

Television Studies ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Con Verevis

Offered:
Berwick First semester 2005 (Flexible)

Synopsis: Employing textual criticism, critical theory and political economy, Television Studies surveys various approaches to the study of broadcast, cable and public television. Consideration is given to various genres of television (news, current affairs, soap operas, sport, etc), as well as to socio-economic forces which shape Australian networks within global and community television spheres. The unit also examines issues of new media, and theories of popular culture, which problematise traditional television theory. Topics for special study include issues of gender, race relations, and consumerism.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit students will be expected to demonstrate: 1. A critical understanding of forms specific to broadcast television. 2. A knowledge of the issues of new media that problematise traditional television theory. 3. An understanding of theories relating to popular culture as they inform television studies. 4. An appreciation of Australia's position in relation to notions of nationalism within both the global broadcast and community television spheres. 5. A knowledge of the cultural and economic forces which shape and are reflected in the structuring of Australian and wider television networks. 6. An ability to critically engage with written and televisual texts in a clear and confident manner in both written and oral presentation.

Assessment: Visual test (1.5 hours): 40% + Essay (3000 words): 60% + Third-year students will be expected to read more widely and work at a higher level than second-year students.

Contact Hours: 4 hours (1 x 1 hour lecture, 1 x 1 hour tutorial and 1 x 2 hour screening) per week

Prerequisites: A first-year unit in Visual Culture or Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies