TV1S03 - Histories and Context in TV and Film Set Design 01 Sep 2023 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 3

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TV1S03
Module Title: Histories and Context in TV and Film Set Design
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Aimee Ward
Module Team: Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2023
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

This module will introduce TV and Film set design students to the historical, theoretical and artistic contexts that their practical design work will draw upon throughout their course.

It will provide students with the research, writing and information presentation skills necessary to communicate theory and design concepts in their chosen degree.

Content Summary

This module will explore the history of film and television design in the US and Europe and will seek to place it into a wider artistic context; this may include but is not limited to theatre, architecture, painting and sculpture.

A weekly lecture/seminar will form the spine of the module. This will introduce students to key topics and significant examples or case-studies and examine their historical, social and cultural contexts. This lecture/seminar will incorporate study skills sessions designed to develop students' writing, research and critical analysis skills to support assessment.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 36
Independent Study 152
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Develop research and study skills appropriate to the undergraduate TV and film set design student.
LO2 Articulate and explore key concepts and ideas associated with selected texts, films and television forms.
LO3 Discuss critical terms used to analyse texts, television programs and films and deploy them in written and oral forms

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Poster 1 Analysis of film, TV or design example(s) with findings expressed as a poster using visuals and writing 0 N/A 50 No 40
Written Assignment (CW) Essay (CW) 1 Written analysis of film or TV scenic or design example 0 1500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Poster 1 ✔ ✔ ✔
Essay (CW) 1 ✔ ✔ ✔

Reading List

Affron, C & Affron M. J. (1995) Sets in Motion: Art Direction and Film Narrative. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press

Aston, E. and G. Savona (1992) Theatre Semiotics London: Routledge

Aumont, J., Bergala, A., Marie, M., Vernet, M. (2004) Aesthetics of Film. trans by Neupert, R. 5th Edn. Austin: University of Austin.

Barsacq, L. (1976) Caligari’s Cabinet and other Grand Illusions: A History of Film Design trans. Bullock, M. Boston: New York Graphic Society.

Barnwell, Jane. (2004) Production Design: Architects of the Screen New York: Columbia University Press

Bordwell, David, and Thomson K. (2004) Film Art London and New York: Studio Vista

Butler, Jeremy (2010) Television Style. London: Routledge

D'Arcy, Geraint (2018) Critical Approaches to TV and Film Set Design. London: Routledge

Pavis, Patrice, (2006) Analyzing Performance: Theater, Dance, and Film Ann Arbour: The University of Michigan Press

Bignell, J, S. Lacey and M.Macmurraugh-Kavanagh eds. (2000) British Television Drama: Past, Present and Future London: Palgrave

Cooke, L. (2003) British Television Drama, A History London: BFI

Murphy R. ed. (2000) British Cinema of the 90's London: BFI

Tashiro, C.S. (1998) Pretty Pictures: Production design and the History of Film. Austin: University of Texas Press

Thornham S., Purvis T., (2004) Television Drama: Theories and Identities London: Palgrave