Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

The entertainment industries are by far the largest sector of the creative industries. You should understand the nature of entertainment, and the role of producers in making it. This unit provides you with a foundation from which you can understand entertainment and the role of the producer; you will be able to build on this foundation as you undertake other Entertainment units. It is important that you are able to identify and understand entertainment and the role of the producer before you deepen your entertainment work in more advanced units and in your professional career.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with an introduction to the nature and function of entertainment while developing your ability to identify potential entertainment products. In addition to providing you with an understanding of the role of the producer, this unit will also assist you in developing your understanding of the role of the producer, while employing at a basic level some of the skills used by a producer.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Identify the key characteristics of mainstream commercial entertainment in modern cultures, including that entertainment is audience-centred culture;
2. Identify the key elements of a producer's role;
3. Search for new entertainment products while utilising critical analysis, creative thinking and communicating clearly and effectively;
4. Acquire written communication skills for Entertainment contexts, taking into account academic writing conventions.

Content

The unit addresses content such as:

- A definition of entertainment as audience-centred culture.
- Key characteristics of mainstream commercial entertainment - it is centrally based on story; seriality; adaptation; fun; happy endings' interactivity; fast, loud and vulgar spectacle; and its primary purpose is to elicit an emotional response.
- Important elements of a producer's role include: understanding an audience; identifying projects that will be successful with an audience; understanding legal issues so as to avoid legal problems; raising finance; putting together a creative team; respecting the various creative inputs of all members of the team; organizing the distribution and marketing of the product.
- The central aspect of a producer's role is taking responsibility.
- You will have an opportunity to demonstrate that you understand

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

You will attend lectures which involve interactive workshop components, and attend tutorials where you will have the opportunity to discuss your unit ideas and issues.

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 the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.

Grading Scale You will be awarded a final grade on a 1 to 7 scaleFORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Description: You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester.
Weight: 0%

Assessment name: Report
Description: Produce a professional report that compares and contrasts the role of a producer in two different industries. Reflect on their similarities and/or differences.
Relates to objectives: 2, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid Semester

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: Develop a written professional pitch in relation to a real world entertainment project concept.
Relates to objectives: 1, 3, 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End Semester

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: Professional behavior, including attending all necessary meetings on time and with necessary preparation done to a high standard; positive contributions to all group discussions; completion of all agreed work.
Relates to objectives: 3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Throughout 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 Text:

There is no set text for this unit. A series of readings prepared by the unit coordinator will be placed on the CMD.

Recommended References:
Bailey, P. (1998). Popular culture and performance in the Victorian city>. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Bakker, G. (2008). Entertainment industrialised : The emergence of the international film industry, 1890-1940. Leidin: Cambridge University Press.
Carey, J. (1992). The intellectuals and the masses. London: Faber and Faber.
Cullen, J. (ed) (2001). Popular culture in American history. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers.
Darnton, R. (1997). The forbidden best sellers of pre revolutionary France. London: Fontana Press.
Dyer, R. (2002). Only entertainment. New York: Routledge.
Gray, J. (2008). Television entertainment. New York: Routledge.
Matlaw, M. (ed) (1979). American popular entertainment: Papers and proceedings of the Conference on the History of American Popular Entertainment. Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press.
Nasaw, D. (1993) Going out: The rise and fall of public amusements. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
O'Brien, J. (2004). Harlequin Britain : Pantomime and entertainment, 1690-1760. Baltimore, MD. ; London : Johns Hopkins University Press.
Peiss, K. (1986). Cheap amusements: Working women and leisure in turn-of-the-century New York. Philadelphia: Temple University Press.
Seldes, G. (1957). The seven lively arts. New York: A S Barnes & Co.

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Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-ordinary risks for this unit.

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: 18-Sep-2012