Module Information

Module Identifier
IC02130
Module Title
Keys to Film, Television, Media and Theatre Studies
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-Requisite
Completion of the International Foundation Certificate Programme Block 1 modules, or an IELTS score of at least 5.0 in each of the 4 subskills
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Essay  Essay (1500 words)  60%
Semester Assessment Presentation  Presentation (10 mins)  20%
Semester Assessment Research bibliography  Research bibliography (500 words)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Presentation  Presentation (10 mins)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Research bibliography  Research bibliography (500 words)  20%
Supplementary Assessment Essay  Essay (1500 words)   60%

Learning Outcomes

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

Understand a variety of key concepts and approaches to Film Studies, TV Studies and Media Studies

Develop and demonstrate basic analytical skills in relation to film, TV, media and performance texts and their surrounding materials

Develop and demonstrate the beginnings of independent research skills and use of library facilities.

Understand and demonstrate appropriate levels of written English language skills, including essay writing, referencing sources, and bibliographies.

Discuss learnt knowledge as a group and in individual presentations.

Brief description

The module will comprise of 15 weeks of scheduled sessions that combine teaching sessions with study skill sessions, screening sessions, feedback tutorials and assessment/exam sessions.
The module will be organized by weekly topics that introduce students to key concepts and theories relevant to Film Studies, TV Studies and Media Studies. Each session will be illustrated with a case study from examples of either Film, or TV or Media. This will illustrate the continuities and differences inherent in the study of Film, TV or Media, and allow students to reflect on the range of theoretical perspectives and concepts that have informed and influenced the developments of each particular discipline. The sessions will also include content that enables students to develop their written, oral and research skills in an appropriate university environment, such as library research, essay writing, group discussions and individual presentations.
The teaching will use the key set text, The Media Students’ Book, 5th edition, London: Routledge, 2010)

Aims

This module is designed to help develop students’ understanding of introductory vocabulary, theoretical perspectives, and basic concepts related to Film, TV, Media and Theatre Studies that they will encounter at a higher level later in their undergraduate degree. It will enable students to relate theory and practice to film, TV, media and performance texts through a mixture of discussion, interaction, written communication and assessed work. It will prepare students for undergraduate study by allowing them to develop appropriate academic study skills, including independent research skills, word processing, group work, effective note-taking and structuring / reflecting on critical thought.

Content

Session 1: Approaching Film, TV and Media Texts
Session 2: Technology
Session 3: Narrative
Session 4: Library Research Skills / Exercise and Discussion
Session 5: Genre
Session 6: Representation
Session 7: Authorship
Session 8: Student presentations
Session 9: Stardom and Celebrity
Session 10: Marketing, Branding and Promotion
Session 11: Essay Writing, Plagiarism and Referencing
Session 12: Business, Industry and Ownership
Session 13: Audiences and Users
Session 14: Assessment Week
Session 15: Feedback Tutorials and Resits

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number N/A
Communication Each session will feature group discussions, leading to individual presentations in Week 8
Improving own Learning and Performance The three assessments will develop different elements of academic research, from understanding and referencing sources, through to the dissemination of ideas to others verbally in the presentation, and developing written communication skills in the essay.
Information Technology The various assessments require online research and the use of library records, as well as the appropriate presentation of written materials. The course will make use of Blackboard.
Personal Development and Career planning This is a foundational course that is designed as a stepping stone to further a university undergraduate career.
Problem solving N/A
Research skills Library and research skills form a key part of the teaching sessions and assessed work.
Subject Specific Skills
Team work The students will work in groups during their weekly discussions, and in the library exercise week.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3