ATS1304 - Introduction to television studies - 2017

Employing textual criticism, critical theory and theories of political economy, this unit will introduce a variety of approaches to the study of television. It will consider the phenomenon of television through a critical approach to the forms specific to broadcast television through an understanding of recent theories relating to popular culture. These include issues of history, genre, context , consumerism and audiences. Attention will also be given to the cultural and economic forces that shape and are reflected in the structuring of television programs and networks.

Upon successful completion of the unit students will be able to:

1. identify and discuss the histories and conventions of television genres;
2. identify and explain changing narrative forms in television;
3. describe approaches to examples of Australian and international television;
4. explain changing delivery platforms for television and the ways contemporary television seeks new audiences;
5. critically evaluate screen theoretical approaches and employ them to make arguments based on close textual analysis of television programs;
6. critically reflect on and synthesise screen theoretical approaches and communicate this in written, oral and audio-visual form.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Claire Perkins

Film and screen studies