| Unit name | Film and Television Audiences |
|---|---|
| Unit code | DRAM23134 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Maingard |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Film and Television |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
In this unit students will explore questions of audience and spectatorship with respect to film and television in different contexts of reception. Students will be introduced to selected theoretical and methodological approaches to understanding, examining and reflecting on film and television audiences. Exploring how reception changes over time and in different places, students will consider how issues such as exhibition contexts and cultural influences help shape the experience of audiences. The unit will also aim to consider case studies of audiences’ experiences, including a focus on their cultural/cinema/televisual memories, in Britain and other parts of the world.
The unit aims to:
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
(1) show knowledge and understanding of the study of film and television audiences, including different methods and approaches to understanding their experiences;
(2) apply relevant approaches and methods to at least one audience case study and identify and consider issues and questions that arise;
(3) identify and apply appropriate critical and theoretical approaches to examine the implications of different film and television viewing practices;
(4) present a clear and well-structured argument, supported by relevant critical and theoretical literature;
(5) produce work within a group, showing abilities to listen, contribute and lead effectively.
2-hour seminar, 3-hour weekly screening (with 15 minute introduction)
15 minute group presentation (30%) ILO 1, 3-5
3500 word essay (70%) ILO 1-4
Presentations will take place in seminar sessions. Group presentations will be awarded a single grade.
Burns, J. (2013) Cinema and Society in the British Empire, 1895-1940, London: Palgrave MacMillan.
Kuhn, A. (2002) An Everyday Magic: Cinema and Cultural Memory, London: I.B.Tauris.
Maingard, J. (2007) South African National Cinema, Oxon and New York: Routledge, Chapter 4: ‘Black Audiences 1920s-1950s: film culture and modernity’, pp.67-89.
Stacey, J. (1994), Star-gazing: Hollywood Cinema and female spectatorship, London and New York: Routledge.
Staiger, J. (2000) Perverse Spectators, New York: New York University Press.
Stokes, M. & Maltby, R. (eds), (2004) Hollywood Abroad: Audiences and Cultural Exchange, London: BFI.
