FT2TVB: Television Drama

Module Provider:

Film, Theatre & TV

Number of credits:

10 [5 ECTS credits]

Level:

I (Intermediate)

Terms in which taught:

Autumn, Spring and Summer

Module Convenor:

Dr JC Bignell

Pre-requisites:

FT1CA FT1HA FT1PFT

Co-requisites:

FT2TVA

Modules excluded:

Current from:

2005/6

Aims:
The module aims: to enable students to demonstrate an understanding of the distinctive forms of television drama as they have evolved in the context of developments within British society since 1945; to develop students' awareness of some of the main aesthetic and institutional pressures that have shaped the production practices of television drama in this period; to introduce students to selected theoretical approaches to the study of television in general, and television drama in particular; to enable students to analyse and evaluate the work of particular television dramatists, directors and producers.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, it is expected that students will be able to:

Additional outcomes:
The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of television drama.

Outline content:
The module will be concerned exclusively with the post-war period, and will focus mainly on the period from 1960 to the present day, beginning with the single play. The connections between the rapidly expanding medium of television and the explosion of theatrical activity after 1956 will be examined, as will the ways in which other forms (for example, television documentary and drama-documentary) have influenced the development of a specifically televisual drama. The module will also examine the institutional and aesthetic pressures that underpinned the move away from studio-based drama to the use of location, and the parallel influence of film and cinema on dramatic practices. The development of popular dramatic forms (for example, the continuous serial) will also be considered, as will the impact of American television drama on its British counterpart. Students will also encounter a range of aesthetic and ideological debates (for example, around concepts of realism and the popular, and the development of experimental practices), and will consider the work of established television practitioners and authors (examples might include Dennis Potter, David Mercer, Tony Marchant, Tony Garnett and Steve Bocchco).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Within the two-hour class, a range of teaching styles will be used and may vary from week to week. Where appropriate, lectures will be used to establish contexts and introduce issues for discussion and debate. The dominant teaching form will be the seminar, which will concentrate primarily on close analysis of television texts and discussion of critical approaches. Seminars will require preparation in the form of weekly screenings and specified critical reading. Short presentation papers will be prepared by individuals or small groups as a basis for group discussion.

Contact hours:

Assessment:
Coursework:
In the Autumn Term, all students will write two essays, equivalent to 3000 words in total. In the Spring Term, students will write one 3000 word essay.
In the Summer Term, students will have an assignment, equivalent to 3,000 words in length.
Relative percentage of coursework:100%
Examinations:
None
Requirements for a pass
A mark of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-submission of course work and/or a take-away examination in September.