TFM1730 - GENRES AND FORMATS: INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH

Module Identifier

TFM1730

Module Title

GENRES AND FORMATS: INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH

Academic Year

2007/2008

Co-ordinator

Terence F Bailey

Semester

Semester 2

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment Length/Details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Research Plan	20%
Semester Assessment	Research findings document	40%
Semester Assessment	Oral presentation of conclusions	40%
Semester Assessment
Supplementary Assessment	Resits of assignments, when necessary, will follow the same structure but be on a different topic/creative structure.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able:

To develop practical research methods.
To carry out effective independent research, and present the findings in an organised manner.
To demonstrate deep knowledge of their chosen genre or medium
To deliver a coherent and interesting oral presentation.
To apply their knowledge to the creation of their own work of fiction: film or broadcast.

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

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

Seminars:
Students to present their research conclusions

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.

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.

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

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