General description

We explore various aspects of the psychology and sociology of TV viewing. One focus is on gender, covering the on-screen portrayal of gender stereotypes, how we make sense of these, and also gendered differences in the use of television in the home. We also consider how we come to make sense of production and editing conventions. As adults, we tend to be largely unconscious of what we know about TV conventions such as the use of 'cuts', and we will try to make some of this knowledge more explicit. In doing so we will become more aware of our role as active interpreters of TV rather than merely as passive victims of it. There is a particular focus on the process and diversity of viewers' interpretations of television programmes.

Aims of the module

• to explore the active processes involved in making sense of what we watch on television;

• to examine what we know about how children learn to make sense of television programmes;

• to explore the diversity of viewing styles and their relationship to such factors as gender and power;

• to examine the research evidence concerning any association between viewing violence on TV and violent attitudes and/or behaviour on the part of the viewers;

• to explore various approaches to researching the viewing experience;

• to discuss television as an ''alternative curriculum''.

Learning outcomes

• their own experience of watching television;

• some of the processes of interpretation involved in making sense of television programmes;

• some of the functions which television can serve for viewers;

• theories of TV influence and of active interpretation by viewers;

• key research evidence concerning young viewers in particular;

• some educational implications of existing research.

Syllabus

• Introduction: Learning Television
• Children as Interpreters of Television
• Key Theories
• TV & Violence
• TV & Gender Roles
• Viewing Styles and the Domestic Politics of Television Use
• Inference and Schema Theory
• The Diversity of Interpretations (1): Psychological Factors
• The Diversity of Interpretations (2): Socio-Cultural Factors
• Researching TV Viewing

The tutorials / seminars provide students with opportunities to investigate and discuss themes from the lectures.

Methods of teaching:
Seminars/Tutorials   10 x 2 hours

Methods of assessment:
Assignment of 5,000 words   100%   

Further details: http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/TF33120/

Methods of teaching:
Seminars/Tutorials   10 x 2 hours

Methods of assessment:
Assignment of 5,000 words   100%   

Further details: http://www.aber.ac.uk/media/Modules/TF33120/

Reading Lists