Module Details |
| The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
| Title | Cult Television and Digital Fandoms | ||
| Code | COMM300 | ||
| Coordinator |
Dr CD Haslop Communication and Media Craig.Haslop@liverpool.ac.uk |
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| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2025-26 | Level 6 FHEQ | Second Semester | 15 |
Aims |
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To provide students with an understanding of the historical development of the idea of ‘cult TV’ and the canon of texts associated to it. To give students the opportunity to engage in debates about what constitutes ‘cult television’ and ‘cult’ fandom in the digital age. To provide students with knowledge about cult fandom and contemporary cult texts in the context of the development of the US, UK, non-Western and global television industries. To develop students critical and theoretical capabilities by analysing cult television texts through intersecting issues including genre, identity politics, promotional culture and the role of industry. |
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Learning Outcomes |
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(LO1) Students will demonstrate an understanding of the overall make-up of the UK,US and global television industries including key debates about changes in the industry and relationships to the politics of representation through the prism of cult TV. |
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(LO2) Students will be able to critique cult television texts and their forms in terms of genre, history, identity politics and industrial perspectives. |
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(LO3) Students will show an ability to both deconstruct, and write, journalistic/fan-oriented texts about cult TV. |
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(LO4) Students will demonstrate understanding of the promotional and branding practices associated with cult TV. |
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(S1) Researching and locating materials through the effective use of library and information services, bibliographies and electronic sources of knowledge and information. |
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(S2) Critical evaluation of academic and cult TV texts. |
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(S3) Academic writing. |
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(S4) Creative thinking and writing techniques. |
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(S5) Time management and project planning. |
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(S6) Digital skills – writing an online article. |
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Syllabus |
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Topics may include: Definitions, histories and ‘classics’ |
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Teaching and Learning Strategies |
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A weekly two-hour workshop with lecture bursts and breaks for small group and large group discussions. Self-directed learning - Reading, watching and analysing TV as directed and researching and preparing for assignments. |
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Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
22 |
22 | |||||
| Timetable (if known) | |||||||
| Private Study | 128 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 150 | ||||||
Assessment |
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| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Essay (2750 words) There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When):2 | 0 | 70 | ||||
| Diary with fan-produced online article (1250 words) There is a resit opportunity - drawing on what is in the fan diary, students will be asked to write an extended piece of fan writing about a differ | 0 | 30 | ||||
Recommended Texts |
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| Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. | |