ATS1304 · Introduction to television studies

Overview

Employing textual criticism, critical theory and media industries research, this unit will introduce you to 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 both broadcast and post-broadcast television through an understanding of recent theories relating to popular culture. These include issues of history, genre, context, data metrics, 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.

Areas of study: Film and screen studies Screen

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

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.

Workload

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. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.