Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

NB: Information in this Unit Outline is subject to change prior to commencement of semester

Aims

The aim of this unit are to increase awareness of film and TV genres: to introduce genre theory and genre-based approaches as developed and applied by the creators of genre film and TV productions, by the distributors of these productions, and by the audiences and critics who watch them. Analyzing films and TV programs through genre-based approaches generates understandings of the wider social, cultural, entertainment, and creative functions served by film and TV genres; while also developing a literacy of generic codes and conventions as film and TV genres hybridise in the contemporary digital new media era.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. apply knowledge of genre codes and conventions, and of genre textual systems, in critical evaluations of genre films and television programs;
2. undertake research into the similarities, differences, and connections between film and TV genres;
3. write a critique evaluating specific aspects of film and TV genres;
4. produce work that adheres to accepted standards of academic quality and/or professional accountability;
5. communicate critical responses to a film's / TV production's genre-based features during an in-class discussion forum; and
6. write professional media reviews, to publication standard, on genre-based aspects of a genre film and genre TV program.

Content

This unit addresses the concept of genre as it is used in film and television practice by film-makers; film and television genre 'theories' developed by critics and audiences; and genres unique to television. A different genre is examined each week, such as classic Hollywood genres (eg. musicals, fantasy), television genres (eg. quiz and game shows, sitcoms), and genre approaches common to both film and television (eg. melodramas, science fiction, superheroes).

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit is delivered through an integrated series of lectures, screenings, and tutorials. Lectures are based on films and television programs belonging to specific genres. Genre films/TV programs are analysed during in-class screenings; other films/TV programs are assigned for out-of-class viewing, and can be used for tutorials. DVD copies of films and some the TV programs assigned for viewing are held in the KG Library Reserve.

Assessment

LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.

Faculty Assessment Information
To access complete Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information please refer to the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester.
Weight 0%

Grading Scale - You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scale

Assessment name: Discussion Forum
Description: Group preparation by two or three students; then each student individually leads a discussion of a film or TV production's genre-based elements.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 5
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Weekly

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: Evaluation of codes and conventions used in a genre film /TV production; and of audience expectations raised by the genre-based features in this film / TV production.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4
Weight: 45%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Report
Description: Written professional media reviews of a genre film and a genre TV production.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 4, 6
Weight: 35%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Required Texts: NIL


Recommended References:

Creeber, Glen (Ed) & Miller, Toby & Tulloch, John (Assoc Eds) (2008) The Television Genre Book (2nd Edition). London: BFI Publishing.

Edgerton, Gary R. & Rose, Brian G. (Eds) (2008) Thinking Outside the Box: A Contemporary Television Genre Reader. Lexington: Univ Press of Kentucky.

Geraghty, Lincoln & Jancovich, Mark (Eds) (2008) The Shifting Definitions of Genre: Essays on Labeling Films, Television Shows, and Media. Jefferson, NC: McFarland.

Langford, Barry (2005) Film Genre: Hollywood and Beyond. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Mittell, Jason (2004) Genre and Television: From Cop Shows to Cartoons in American Culture. Routledge: New York.

Neale, Steve (Ed) (2008) Genre and Contemporary Hollywood. London: BFI Publishing.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 25-Mar-2013