Introduction to Television Studies

Duration: 8 weeks, Tuesday 7:30-9:30pm
Qualification: WIT Certificate of Completion
Cost: €150
Closing Date of Application: 15 September 2006

The aim of the course is to offer a foundation in the study of TV in Ireland and the UK. The student will gain an insight to the world of TV and the workings of the TV schedule. At the end of the course the student will be able to analyse the schedule, the different genres of TV programming and critically assess the value of any given programme and channel. The presentations will be a combination of straight learning, workshops, group discussion, programme viewing.

Course Outline:

> Where is TV at in Ireland in 2006? RTE/TG4/UTV/Channel 4 and the influx of satellite and British terrestrial channels and how they are interconnected.
> The schedule as central to the business of TV. How the schedule is constructed. Looking at a typical schedule. 'Fantasy scheduling', how to construct your dream viewing. The 'watershed', its meaning and how the line is drawn by TV executives.
> Differing programme genres; factual, entertainment, children?s, religious and daytime. How these programmes are made and how they slot into the schedule.
> News gathering in Ireland. Comparing the approaches of the three news services in Ireland. RTE, TV3 and SKY.
> Scripting for TV?writing trailers and introductions to shows.
> TV presenting. Skills in representing yourself on screen. The presenter versus the pundit. Popularity versus professionalism.
> Critiquing TV programmes and analysis of production values and ideas.
> Recap on course. How to communicate with RTE and make your voice heard. Contacts and career advice.