Module Information
Module Identifier
TFM2720
Module Title
Genre Research
Academic Year
2013/2014
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Course Delivery
| Delivery Type | Delivery length / details |
|---|---|
| Other | 5 x 4-hour sessions; a blend of lectures, screenings and seminar discussions. |
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | 1. Research Plan: a document specifying chosen genre, written sources, interview subjects, specific areas of exploration within their chosen narrative | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | 2. Research Findings document - In conducting research into their chosen genre, students will have reviewed a number of texts - both films and scripts,as well as secondary material including academic studies and writers' manuals - which will provide them with an understanding of common narrative techniques within the genre. Because of the exploratory nature of this research, students cannot be instructed proscriptively about what to look for, but they can be guided towards appropriate texts and narrative devises, depending on their chosen genre. The Research Findings Document will outline the key areas students have examined, common techniques they have discovered, examples of texts in which these techniques have been employed or countered, and analyses of the effectiveness of the screenwriters' decisions. the results from assessment 1 (3,000 words) | 70% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 1. Resit of Research Plan (1,500-2,000 words). Resits of assignments will follow the same structure but be on a different topic/creative structure. | 30% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 2. Resit of Research Findings Document (3,000 words) | 70% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
1. To develop a sophisticated understanding of a range of practical methodologies.
2. To make an informed decision in selecting and apply an appropriate methodology for the chosen (sub) genre.
3. To carry out effective independent research, and present the findings in an organised manner
Aims
This module provides students with an understanding of the theory and practice of specific genre or subjenre, primarily through a project of individual research.
Brief description
Students will carry out research into a chosen genre or subgenre, 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 carry out an in-depth research project into their chosen genre or subgenre. There are also a series of lectures exploring methodological approaches to genre study, and various genres and subgenres.
Students will submit a research proposal, then carry out individual research through a variety of sources: archival, personal interviews, on-line material, close analysis of relevant films or television programmes, and so on. They will present their findings in a Research Findings Document.
This module feeds into TFM1860. Students choosing to write a Creative Portfolio in TFM1860 will work within the genre or subgenre they have researched.
Students will submit a research proposal, then carry out individual research through a variety of sources: archival, personal interviews, on-line material, close analysis of relevant films or television programmes, and so on. They will present their findings in a Research Findings Document.
This module feeds into TFM1860. Students choosing to write a Creative Portfolio in TFM1860 will work within the genre or subgenre they have researched.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | Not assessed or developed |
| Communication | Written communication skills are at the heart of all the work a student does |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | 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. |
| Problem solving | Not directly assessed |
| Research skills | Research plays a significant part in this module. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Students develop a deep knowledge of a specific (sub)genre, which is important to both a creative writer and a researcher. |
| Team work | Students will have the opportunity to access and give feedback on each other’s work. |
Reading List
Recommended TextAltman, Rick (1999) Film/Genre London: BFI Primo search Creeber, G. (ed) (2008) The Television Genre Book 2nd ed London: BFI Primo search Geraghty, C. (1991) Women and Soap Opera: a study of prime time soaps Polity Primo search Hobson, D. (1982) Crossroads: the drama of Soap Opera Methuen Primo search Hobson, D. (2003) Soap Opera Polity Primo search Neale, S. (1999) Genre and Hollywood Methuen Primo search Perret, Gene (1982) Comedy Writing, Step by Step Samuel French Primo search Schatz, T. (1981) Hollywood Genres McGraw-Hill Primo search Wolff, Jurgen (1988) Successful Sitcom Writing St. Matin's Press Primo search Nochimson, M.P. (2002) Film Quarterly 'Whaddya Lookin' At?: Re-reading the Gangster Genre Through "The Sopranos" 56-2-2 Primo search
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 7