Film Stardom and Celebrity Culture

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate confidence and independence of thought
• recognise methods by which media texts of different kinds can be analysed
• integrate close textual analysis and contextual research
• synthesise and evaluate complex material
• discuss the star ‘persona’ of a particular star or celebrity and make connections across different historical and cultural contexts

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate originality and confidence in the scholarly application of knowledge, and the ability to advance that knowledge through research informed by the work of others
• work independently and effectively using library, archival and internet resources and demonstrate efficient time management
• contribute to original and intellectually challenging discussion in a group environment and listening and responding to the views of others

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• the role of media in the construction of stardom and celebrity
• the importance of stardom and celebrity to the concept of the nation
• a series of historically-based case studies, showing an informed sensitivity to the issues of gender, ethnicity and sexuality
• the nature of star performance, work and the cross-media articulation of celebrity
• the relationship between stars and celebrities with their audiences and the role of film-fan magazines and social media interactions in constructing the discourses of stardom and celebrity
• theoretical debates on the subject of stardom and celebrity

The module explores issues of stardom and celebrity in relation to debates on persona, performance, iconography, consumerism and capitalism, as well issues of gender, sexuality and ethnicity. The emphasis will be on historical and industrial context throughout, highlighting within each case study and through the module as a whole, the ways in which stardom and celebrity relate to their contexts. The module begins by theorising our existing knowledge and preconceptions about the nature of stars, examining star images and exploring the value of fan-magazines and other publicity material when researching context. You will consider the way stardom developed in tandem with the visual and narrative characteristics of cinema itself. We move on to consider the performance and work of stars and celebrities in later eras in a wider international context, taking into account the changing media industries of the twenty-first century, as well as issues of sexuality and ethnicity.

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include:

• Seminars
• Independent study and research
• Tutorials

Learning activities include:

• Active participation in seminars
• Individual study, viewing and research
• Sharing work-in-progress online and in class
• Individual and group presentations

Resources & Reading list

Textbooks

Richard Dyer (2003). Heavenly Bodies: Film Stars and Society. Routledge.

Su Thornham and Sean Redmond (2007). Stardom and Celebrity: A Reader. Sage Publications.

Assessment strategy

Assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback

• tutor-supported workshops
• peer discussion/support
• consultation with your tutor in preparation for the formal assessments

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External