Skip to main content
What types of page to search?

Popular pages: Undergraduate Postgraduate PhD Accommodation Research International students

Alternatively use our A-Z index.

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 Redefining Television
Code COMM750
Coordinator Dr C Mahoney
Communication and Media
Cat.Mahoney@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

1.To provide students with an understanding of the nature, role and function of television as a medium in the 21st century.
2.To give students the opportunity to engage in debates about what constitutes television in a rapidly changing technological climate.
3.To provide students with knowledge about television, VOD streaming and online platforms in a global context.
4.To develop students’ critical and theoretical capabilities by analysing television texts through intersecting issues including genre, identity politics, promotional culture and the role of the industry.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will gain an understanding of the role, function and form of television in the 21st century, changes in the industry and relationships to the politics of representation facilitated by VOD.

(LO2) Students will gain an ability to critique television texts and their forms in terms of genre, history, identity politics and industrial perspectives.

(LO3) Students will gain an ability to both deconstruct, and write, theoretically reflective pieces about TV and their own viewing practices.

(LO4) Students will gain an understanding of algorithmic viewing and marketing.

(S1) Researching and locating materials through the effective use of library and information services, bibliographies and electronic sources of knowledge and information.

(S2) Critical evaluation of academic and TV texts.

(S3) Academic writing.

(S4) Creative thinking and writing techniques.

(S5) Time management and project planning.

Syllabus
 

pics may include:

•Introduction to studying TV
•TV and convergence culture
•Analysing television, programming, structure, flow
•Netflix, VOD and algorithmic viewing - linear to curated viewing
•Conceptions of quality - Netflix original/Prime and the TV film
•National TV for global consumption
•Remake, reboot and cult TV
•The nostalgia of contemporary TV
•Feminism and television
•Queer TV
•User generated content - Youtube and TikTok

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 – Online synchronous workshop.
Description: 2 hours sessions with bursts of lecture and breakout groups discussions of topics followed by class discussions.
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Screening to be viewed in own time.

Self-directed learning - Reading, watching and analysing TV as directed and researching and preparing for assignments.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours           24

 24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 126
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
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 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): Semester 2  0    70       
Television Diary with theoretical reflection. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When): 2  0    30       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.