Module Identifier TFM1730  
Module Title GENRES AND FORMATS: INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH  
Academic Year 2005/2006  
Co-ordinator Terence F Bailey  
Semester Semester 2  
Course delivery Other   Lecture/Seminars: 5 x 2 hour sessions will consist of an hour dedicated to one topic and an hour dedicated to writing exercises and feedback.  
  Other   3x 30 minute individual tutorials per student  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Research Plan20%
Semester Assessment Research findings document40%
Semester Assessment Oral presentation of conclusions40%
Semester Assessment Conclusions summary document10%
Supplementary Assessment Resits of assignments, when necessary, will follow the same structure but be on a different topic/creative structure.40%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able:


Aims

This module provides students with an understanding of the theory and practice of writing within a specific genre or media format, primarily through a project of individual research.

Brief description

Students will carry out research into a chosen genre, to enhance their understanding of the conventions of that genre, and the ways in which it influences such script elements as plot points, character and characterisation, dialogue and description.

Content

Students will carry out an in-depth research project on their chosen genre, guided by a series of lectures covering methodological approaches. Those following the film pathway will be expected to make sharp distinctions between a wide variety of genre and sub-genres within the film medium. Those following the broadcast pathway will be expected to research a genre as it pertains to the serial or series format common to radio and television. First, they will submit a research proposal, then carry out individual research through a variety of sources: archival, personal interviews, on-line material, the review of relevant films or television programmes, and so on. They will present their findings in a Research Findings Document. Then they will analyse these findings, and develop a set of principles for the genre within which they will work in creating Semester Three's outline and script. These conclusions will be delivered orally to the class, and summarised in a document of one-thousand words. Along with the strong element of independent study and tutorials students will also attend lectures on outlining techniques and structuring techniques preparing them for the third semester portfolio.
This module feeds into the Portfolio module (TFM 1860) expecting students to research both their methodological and styalistic approach and also their backstory.

Lecture Topics

  1. Introduction to research methodologies.
  2. Library and online skills utilising the Wales National Sound and Screen Archive.
  3. Genre, as it relates to narrative and characterisation. Suggested avenues to explore in individual research
  4. Advanced plotting skills: the common surface journeys and the underlying profound journey.
  5. Advanced outlining skills, and related topics: log lines, pitching ideas.
  6. The Expanded Scene Breakdown: the middle stage between story development and scripting.
  7. Scriptwriting 1: description and dialogue
  8. Scriptwriting 2: techniques including image systems and non-linear narrative.
  9. Script editing, working with a script editor, rewriting techniques.
  10. Career progression and self-employment skills

Seminars:
Students to present their research conclusions

Module Skills

Research skills Research plays a significant part in this module.  
Communication Writing to a brief, perhaps more than any other form of writing, is entirely about communication skills.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Students are expected to drive their own learning and to develop their own unique creative approaches.  
Team work Students are expected to drive their own learning and to develop their own unique creative approaches.  
Information Technology Students will be required to make full use of the library facilities, web research, and master the computer-based script formats.  
Personal Development and Career planning Students will come into contact with industry professionals through the course of their research, and will develop new skills within a particular genre, which will aid them in future career planning. Students also attend one lecture on career planning and employment skills.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Wolff, Jurgen (1988) Sucessful Sitcom Writing St. Martin's Press
Hobson, D., (2003) Soap Opera Polity
Hobson, D., (1982) Crodssroads:the drama of Soap Opera Methuen
Gerahgty, C., (1991) Women and Soap Opera: a study of prime time soaps Polity
Perret, Gene (1982) Comedy Wrting Step by Step Samuel French
Gerahgty, C., (1991) Women and Soap Opera: a study of prime time soaps Polity

Journals
Nochimson, M.P., (2002) Film Quarterly Waddya Lookin' At?: Re-reading the Gangster Genre Through "The Sopranos" 56.2.2.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7