Module Identifier TFM2030  
Module Title EXPLORATION AND ANALYSIS OF GENRE IN RADIO  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Ms Esther Prytherch  
Semester Semester 1  
Other staff Mr Dorian L Jones  
Co-Requisite All core modules  
Course delivery Lecture   10 x 2 hours lectures/seminars  
  Seminars / Tutorials   Each student will receive two one hour tutorials and three one hour seminars  
  Practical   Students will be expected to practice recording and editing skills studied in Radio Production 1 - support will be provided as needed in the production process.  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Genre research essay - a research findings document will outline the key areas students have examined, common techniques they have discovered, examples of programmes in which these techniques have been employed and analyses of the effectiveness of the production formats and intended audience as well as an historical context. (3,000 words)40%
Semester Assessment Produce a radio feature package between 4"30" and 5' duration based around a specified genre. Submit on cd. (To maximize learning progression, this final assessment will be scheduled for January after the assessments for Radio Production 1 have been submitted and marked.) 40%
Semester Assessment Production Portfolio - based on assessment two, students will deliver a document specifying chosen genre, written sources, interview subjects, specific areas of exploration. (2000 words)20%
Supplementary Assessment Resits of assignments, when necessary, will follow the same structure but be on a different topic/creative structure. The presentation will be pitched to two or three nominated staff members in place of the classroom situation.  

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate and critique how genres work in the radio industry.
2. Illustrate and evaluate the creation of style and format within given genres.
3. Demonstrate a mastery of the complexities of narrative within a given genre.
4. Coherently articulate the nature of radio `audiences'.
5. Develop original ideas into a short item of broadcast quality.


Aims

To provide students with an understanding of the full range of factual genres scheduled on radio. To discuss the creation of style, format and narrative within the given genres and evaluate listener/audience responses. This module will present students with an understanding of the theory and practice of producing within a specific genre or media format, culminating in an individual production.

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 is commonly formulated. There will be a thorough exploration of the approaches and utilities of specific research materials for programmes within different radio genres. There are two distinct sections within this module. In the first stage, students will carry out an in-depth research project on their chosen genre, guided by a series of lectures covering methodological approaches. Secondly, they will submit a research proposal for one particular programme within their chosen genre and carry out individual research through a variety of sources: archival, personal interviews, on-line material and a review of relevant sources. They will present their findings in a Genre Research Document and then produce a pilot episode based on these findings?

Content

(10 x 2 hour lectures, 2 x 1 hour individual tutorials around the production, 3 x 1 hour seminars developing concepts from Factual documentary, Music and Arts.)

Lecture Topics

Module Skills

Problem_solving The unpredictability of production planning and process requires students to be continually solving problems related to their individual programme.  
Research skills Research skills are developed throughout the module and are finally assessed in the assignment  
Communication Communication underpins all activities on this course and will be developed and assessed throughout this module.  
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will be encouraged to listen and analyse various genres of radio programming. This will improve their learning and performance  
Information Technology IT will be utilised for some research work during this module  
Personal Development and Career planning This module will give students a clear indication of where their interest/talents lie, whether it be in history documentary or music programmes.  

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
Hart, A. (1991) Understanding the Media: a Pratical GUide Routledge
** Recommended Background
Barlow, D M, Mitchell, P and O'Malley, T.P (2005) The Media in Wales: Voices of a Small Nation University of Wales Press, Cardiff
Boyd, A. Broadcast JounralismTechniques of Radio and Television News 5th edition. Focal Press
Chater, K. (1998) Production Research: An Introduction Focal Press
Davies, J. (1994) Broadcasting and the BBC in Wales University of Wales Press
Dimbleby et al (1994) Practical Media: A Guide to Production Techniques Hodder and Soughton
Jarvis, P. (1993) A Production Handbook: A Guide to the Pitfalls of Programme Making Focal Press
Shingler, M and Wieringa, C. (1998) On Air: Methods and Meanings of Radio Hodder Arnold
Taccahi, Jo. in Bromley, M. (ed) (2001) No News is bad News: radio, Television and the Press "Who Listens to Radio? The role of Industrial Audience Research" P137-156. Longman

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7