TV2S04 - Critical Analysis for Production Design 26 Feb 2019 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: TV2S04
Module Title: Critical Analysis for Production Design
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Rachel Grainger
Module Team: Aimee Ward, Emma Marshman, Anna Solic
First Intended Intake: SEP 2019 Final Year of Intake: 2024
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 5
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 26 Feb 2019
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

Following on from the level four module “Histories and Contexts in TV and Film Set Design”, this module aims to engage students in a critical analysis of their own work and of produced work. This module will begin by applying questions of analysis to ‘real world’ examples and to the students own practical design work. The aim is to facilitate an objective reflection that the student can apply to their own practices by connecting the analysis of produced ‘real-world’ examples to scrutiny of their own works in progress. The focus will therefore be placed upon applying critical languages and researching critical methods of analysis usually used in the criticism of published texts and produced TV and Film examples to a student’s own portfolio. The aim is to enable the student to look objectively at the work they produce and reflect on their processes in line with professional examples.

Content Summary

The module will take place in weekly seminar / tutorials, supported by readings and screenings. The module will analyse a range of films and television programmes drawing on and developing the methodologies already established and focussing specifically on elements of the production design and mise-en-scene. Although the emphasis is not historical, examples will be chosen with a regard to the development of conventions and practices across time and cover both TV and Film from a range of genres.

It will conclude with a focus on how such critical skills can be applied to personal work that could be in the form of an established portfolio, past work or works in progress. At each stage, students will be introduced to, and encouraged to use, established critical terms and models of analysis and apply them to established “published texts” or productions as well as their own on-going design work.

Learning and Teaching Methods

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

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Demonstrate critical thinking, research and study skills appropriate to the analysis and criticism of television and film production design
LO2 Compare a selected range of key concepts and ideas associated with film and television production design.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Synchronous Onsite Oral Assessment Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1 Reflective portfolio presentation 15 N/A 50 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Essay 1 A critical essay on tv or film production design 0 2500 50 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Synchronous Onsite) 1
Essay 1

Reading List

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

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

McKinney, Josslyn, and Philip Butterworth, (2009) The Cambridge Companion to Scenography Cambridge: CUP

McKinney, Josslyn, and Philip Butterworth, (2009) The Cambridge Companion to Scenography Cambridge: CUP

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

Rozik, Eli, (2004) Generating Theatre Meaning: A Theory and Methodology of Performance Analysis Eastbourne: Sussex Academic 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

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