Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Notes

Synopsis

The course traces the evolution of the teen genre as a hybrid form examining its changing representation of teenagers and teen culture in film and TV over the past 50 years. Surveying a wide range of the various forms of the teen genre (TV drama series, comedies, sci-fi, animation, music video), the course also examines the relationship between teen film and TV and other popular media, such as music and the internet, patterns of teen consumption, teen stardom and fandom, the role the teen genre plays in the circulation of local and global forms of cultural knowledge, and genre itself, as a conceptual tool.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit students will be expected to demonstrate: 1) an understanding of the historical development of the teen genre as a hybrid form in film and television; 2) a critical understanding of the social functions of the teen genre; 3) an ability to define and critically engage with specific forms of the teen genre in film and TV; 4) an understanding of the diverse intertextual relations between teen film and TV and other media such as popular music and the internet; 5) an ability to define and analyse patterns of teen screen media consumption; 6) an understanding of the processes of teen film and TV star construction and teen fandom; 7) an ability to engage with written and visual (screen) texts in a clear and confident manner in both written and oral presentation; 8) to develop a deeper understanding of theoretical debates in the field of film and television studies, specifically at it applies to the concept of genre; 9) to develop a deeper understanding the role the teen genre plays in the circulation of culturally specific forms of knowledge and the formation of forms of local, national and transnational or hybrid identity.

Assessment

Essay (3000 words) 60%
Visual test (1.5 hours) 30%
Tutorial participation 10%

Contact hours

One 1-hour lecture, one 1-hour tutorial and one 2-hour screening per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Film and television studies

Prerequisites

One unit at first-year level in Film and television or approved discipline

Prohibitions

ATS2532