The primary aims of this module are to demonstrate underlying factors influencing the aesthetics and visual style of television drama and sitcom in Britain and the US, utilising close analysis of comparable texts (e.g. crime drama, re-makes) to examine the causes underpinning the differences between the two at various points in history. It builds upon and develops inputs from last year’s MA1051 and MA1052 modules, expanding on genres and concepts covered such as multi- and single camera drama, sitcom, soap, and televisuality, while exploring in greater depth the factors contributing to the form and visual style of television, and how these vary across different nations and time periods. Drawing upon newly published research in the rapidly expanding field of television aesthetics, the module pays particular attention to production process, technological processes and performance.

The module lasts a total of 40 hours, comprising a combination of weekly lectures, screenings and seminars. Rather than lectures preceding screenings, or vice versa, the two will usually be combined over the allocated three-hour period, with suitable breaks.