This module provides the framework to consider the contextual and textual analysis of different Creative Media outputs, including television and radio, and investigates the creative, institutional, economic, and industrial practices which have shaped their development. The focus will examine how different output genres have been produced and consumed by audiences (using audience reception theory) through a series of case studies such as: news, drama, documentary, light entertainment, comedy, and game shows, and how they continue to maintain interest for contemporary audiences. The module also looks at the representation of LGBTQ+ and black experiences in different media texts, and how pioneers from these groups have impacted on the shape and growth of these representations. There will be opportunities for you to locate and analyse different research resources to consider textual construction and engagement with viewing and listening audiences.

ASSESSMENT ONE: CRITICAL REVIEW [LOs 2,3,4]



You will negotiate between a 750 word or 10-minute verbal Critical Review of a Creative Media related academic book chapter, journal article or television/radio documentary. The exact text to be also be negotiated through discussion with delivery team to identify genre interest areas of research.



ASSESSMENT TWO: ANALYTICAL REPORT [LOs 1, 2,3, 4]

A 1500-word Analytical Report exploring a contemporary Creative Media text and its contextual significance.

Mixed mode delivery is promoted across the module to offer an interactive approach bringing ideas around your own viewing and listening experiences and to select and assess sources to come to your own learning conclusions. Workshops will be based around the genre case studies. Independent Study should be used to complete research tasks, viewing of extracts and complete programmes, preparation activities and wider reading.

1. DEMONSTRATE A KNOWLEDGE OF THE PRODUCTION AND RECEPTION CONTEXTS OF CREATIVE MEDIA AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR CREATIVE, INSTITUTIONAL, ECONOMIC, AND INDUSTRIAL PRACTICES.

Knowledge and Understanding


2. DEVELOP AN APPRECIATION OF THE KEY CRITICAL DEBATES OF CREATIVE MEDIA IN RELATION TO THEIR ARTISTIC AND INDUSTRIAL FORMS.

Learning


3. COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY TO DISCUSS HOW THE CONTEXTUAL PRACTICES AND CREATIVE PIONEER PRACTITIONERS OF CREATIVE MEDIA HAVE SHAPED THEIR DEVELOPMENT.

Communication


4. PRESENT, EVALUATE AND INTERPRET DIFFERENT RESEARCH SOURCES TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINED ARGUMENT WHICH CONSIDERS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HISTORICAL AND CONTEMPORARY OUTPUTS.

Enquiry

Blackboard, Library, and online resources (including Box of Broadcasts), Blu-Ray/DVD/Audio/IT playback facilities.


The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Bourne, S. (2019) Playing Gay in the Golden Age of British TV, Cheltenham: The History Press.

Conboy, M. and Steel, J. eds. (2015) The Routledge Companion to British Media History, London: Routledge.

Cooper, M. (2022) Radio's Legacy in Popular Culture, London: Bloomsbury.

Creeber, G. ed. (2015) The Television Genre Book, 3rd edition, London: Palgrave/BFI.

Hendy, D. (2022) The BBC: A People's History, London: Profile.

Malik, S. and Newton, D. M. (2017) Adjusting the Contrast: British Television and Constructs of Race, Manchester: Manchester University Press.


See module handbook for a full listing of reading texts.

Creative Media Landscapes covers an exploration around how popular creative media have been developed and how they have impacted on audiences. How did drama series and soap operas emerge and why do we continue to watch and listen to them? How have comedy shows challenged and entertained audiences? When did documentaries allow us to understand the world around us? Investigates the creative, institutional, economic, and industrial practices which have shaped creative media's development.