Television studies
Proposed to be offered next in 1998
Deane Williams
8 points
* 4 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
*
Prerequisites: At least one of VSA1040, VSA1050, VSA2190 or VA103.06
Objectives By the completion of this subject students will be expected to demonstrate a critical understanding of forms specific to broadcast television; an understanding of theories relating to popular culture as they inform television studies; an ability to engage with written and televisual texts in a clear and confident manner.
Synopsis Employing textual criticism, critical theory and political economy, the subject will survey a variety of approaches to the study of television. We will consider the phenomena of television through a critical approach to the forms specific to broadcast television. These include television news, current affairs programs, adult soap opera and advertising. Consideration will also be given to aspects of public and pay television systems as they operate in the local setting, to explore Australia's position in relation to notions of nationalism within both the global broadcast and community television spheres. The subject will also examine issues of new media that problematise traditional television theory through an understanding of theories relating to popular culture. Attention will also be given to the cultural and economic forces which shape and are reflected in the structuring of Australian and wider television networks, and topics for special study will include issues of gender, race relations and consumerism.
Assessment second year First essay (2000 words): 35%
* Second essay
(3000 words): 45%
* Visual test (1 hour): 20%
Assessment third year First essay (2000 words): 35%
* Second essay
(3000 words): 45%
* Visual test (1 hour): 20%
* Students taking the
subject at third-year level will be expected to develop a more comprehensive
understanding of recent screen theory and its applications.
Preliminary reading
Allen R Channels of discourse, reassembled: Television and contemporary criticism Routledge, 1992
Fiske J and Hartley J Reading television Methuen, 1980
Prescribed texts
Cunningham S and Jacka L Australian television and international mediascapes CUP, 1996
Cunningham S and Miller T Contemporary Australian television UNSWP, 1994
Kaplan E (ed) Regarding television-critical approaches: An anthology University Publications of America, 1983
O'Regan T Australian television culture Allen and Unwin, 1993 Schneider C and Wallis B (eds) Global television Wedge, 1989
Williams R Television technology and cultural forms Shocken, 1974
Williamson J Decoding advertisements, ideology and meaning in advertising Marion Boyars, 1978
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