FT3IAA-Identity, Agency, Advocacy: Diversity and Representation in Film, Television and Theatre

Module Provider: Film, Theatre and TV
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn and Spring (Double presentation)
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Lisa Woynarski
Email: l.woynarski@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is taught twice to two different cohorts of students, one in Autumn and one in Spring term.Ìý The 200 contact hours are listed for the firstÌýiteration of teachingÌýinÌýthe Autumn term, and these same contact hours are repeated for the second iteration of teaching, in the Spring term.

In this module, we explore questions concerning diversity and inclusion that are currently receiving much high-profile attention and debates in a number of different contexts, within and across film, television and theatre. We undertake close analysis of screen and stage representations that pertain to the complex interconnection of issues such as class, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexuality. We combine our intersectional approach with an examination of relevant industrial, political and socio-cultural contexts and debates, and we explore how diversity and inclusion work intersects with the process of making. We pay particular attention to different kinds of minority and/or marginalized identities, as well as the efforts made by campaigners and advocates to push for equitable and meaningful representation. Films, programmes and plays to feature on the module may include:ÌýFresh Off the Boat;ÌýGet Out;ÌýGoodbye CP;ÌýJubilee;ÌýKiss, Marry,ÌýKill;ÌýThe Slave;ÌýTransparent.

Aims:

This module aims to develop analytical skills for film, television and theatre through close analysis of texts alongside a critical engagement with relevant cultural and industrial contexts. Here, the module aims particularly to familiarize students with the contemporary landscape of advocacy work pertaining to the stage and screen industries. Through its intersectional approach, the module is designed to promote independent critical thinking, and to encourage students to identify their own critical position on the relevant critical debates and ideological issues through discussion and analysis of selected case studies.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

• Make sophisticated intersectional analyses of the politics of representation of selected texts, informed by relevant critical and theoretical perspectives.


• Demonstrate a good understanding of advocacy work inside the process of making.


• Understand and be able to place current cultural discourses on issues of representation within a larger history.


• Demonstrate a good knowledge of the work of contemporary advocacy groups, including the challenges and opportunities available to them.


• Relate their understanding of issues of representation to a range of other concepts introduced by the course, including authorship, genre, style and form.

Additional outcomes:

The module plays a significant role in the continuing development of other skills and competencies which are central to the course. It is expected that the level of skills and competencies achieved in the following will be appropriate to the level of study: oral communication and argument in group situations; deployment of research using printed and electronic resources; critical analysis and coherent argument; undertaking self-directed, independent work; presentation of written work using IT; identifying and addressing problems in the analysis of film, television and/or theatre; creative deployment of technology in the development and presentation of analysis.

Outline content:

The module is intended to begin with a roundtable exploration of the major issues, challenges and opportunities presented by exploring the politics of representation from an intersectional perspective, as well as diversity and inclusion practices within the contexts of Higher Education. The module will proceed with a critical focus on whiteness, in terms of both institutional contexts and deployment