Screen Stars in Context

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• the nature of star performance, work and the cross-media articulation of stardom
• theoretical debates on the subject of stars by critics such as Richard Dyer
• a series of historically-based case studies, showing an informed sensitivity to the issues of gender, ethnicity and sexuality
• the importance of stardom to the concept of national cinema
• the role of cinematography in star production
• the relationship between stars and audiences and the role of film-fan magazines in constructing the ‘vernacular’ of stardom

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

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

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• contribute to original and intellectually challenging discussion in a group environment and listening and responding to the views of others
• work independently and effectively using library, archival and internet resources and demonstrate efficient time management
• 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
• give an effective oral presentation using a variety of visual aids that engages and informs its audience

The module explores issues of stardom in relation to debates on star persona, performance, iconography and cinematography as well issues of gender and ethnicity. The emphasis will be on historical context throughout, highlighting within each case study and through the module as a whole, the ways in which stars and their contexts relate to each other. A key linking strand of the module is provided by various concepts of the classical that have been used in constructing star iconographies, along with the relationship between stars, myth and the representation of history itself. The module begins by attempting to theorise 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. From the context of the 1920s and 30s, we move on to consider the performance and work of stars in later eras, in America and Europe in particular, but with reference to the wider international context, as well as issues of sexuality and ethnicity in contemporary Hollywood.

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

Lucy Fischer, Marcia Landy (2004). Stars: The Film Reader. London: Routledge.

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

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