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Unit information: Film and TV Comedy in 2021/22

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Film and TV Comedy
Unit code FATV20005
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Alex Clayton
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

School/department Department of Film and Television
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims to deepen an appreciation of film and television comedy. Through analysis of a range of comedic forms, alongside consideration of theories of laughter and humour, students will acquire an understanding of the workings of comedy and issues which might explain its appeal. The unit includes a practical video assignment designed to help students reflect on the creative challenges and possibilities of comic expression.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

(1) demonstrate detailed knowledge of comedic forms and conventions;

(2) show an understanding of aesthetic and social issues pertaining to the production and reception of comedy;

(3) analyse and evaluate competing theories of humour and laughter;

(4) reflect on the creative challenges and possibilities of screen comedy and appraise individual works in light of these factors.

(5) demonstrate practical skills in one or more aspects of short filmmaking.

Teaching Information

Weekly seminar/workshop and screening, supported by self-directed tasks where appropriate.

Assessment Information

100% Portfolio, equivalent to 4000 words

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. FATV20005).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.

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