Admission requirements
Enrolled in Film and Literary Studies BA, or completion of one previous film related course.
Description
This course studies TV series from traditional soap, sitcoms and sci-fi (such as Seinfeld, Eastenders, Friends, Dark) to contemporary post-network series (such as I May Destroy You, Succession). Our focus will be on the emergence of contemporary forms of ‘complex’ storytelling in TV series and the new cultural practices they invite, such as binge watching and the writing of fan fiction. In addition, we will look at new forms of comedy (Fleabag), superhero genre (Watchmen) and contemporary series that question the boundary between film and TV (Small Axe, Twin Peaks, Top of the Lake). Special attention will be paid to new forms of academic TV criticism, which seeks to understand the relations between narrative forms and ideological, political, economic and technological developments, such as representations of race and gender, crime, trauma and the ethics of historical representation, and new forms of online TV criticism. Part one of our course is devoted to the discussion of narrative patterns and generic conventions that are typical of contemporary long narratives. We will concentrate on the narrative conventions of classic series (Soap, Sitcom, Prime Time Serial, SF). Part two is devoted to the analysis of specific contemporary TV series. In this part you will be asked to give a group presentation on a specific series.
Course objectives
After completing this course, the student can:
Conduct independent research into TV Series.
Analyse film and media using concepts and methods concerning TV Series.
Reflect on key concepts and methods concerning TV Series.
Work together with peers for group presentations.
Participate in oral communication with peers.
Conduct independent learning on concepts concerning TV Series.
Conduct written communication on TV Series.
Consider TV series in relation to developments in society.
Timetable
The timetables are available through MyTimetable.
Mode of instruction
- Lecture
Assessment method
Assessment
Active Participation/coöperation in class/group
Group Presentation
Final Paper
Brightspace Discussion Board
Weighing
To complete the final mark, please take notice of the following:
Class attendance is mandatory.
Group Presentation – 30%
Final Paper – 70%
Brightspace Discussion Board – pass/fail
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
Resit
Resit is only possible for the paper.
Inspection and feedback
You will receive group presentation grades at the end of the course. For the essay, a feedback form will be provided.
Reading list
Literature will be announced on Brightspace before the beginning of the course. Texts will be made available on Brightspace. Literature should be studied before each class. It is recommended you register to Netflix, HBO Max and Prime during the course in order to view the series.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Arsenaal.
Remarks
Not applicable