MP6050 - Event Cultures

What will I learn on this module?

Following a case study approach, you will investigate the idea of event cultures in historical, conceptual and organisational terms. The module will explore how particular events (e.g. media festivals and award ceremonies) are developed, structured and organised. The aim is to consider how we, as scholars of film, media and culture, might conceptualise events and in so doing gain a clearer understanding of their dynamics, practices and their impact upon industry and society. In this way, the module will illustrate the key ways in which specific events have been framed in scholarship and how these ideas might begin to be applied in the real world. As such, the module encourages you to develop a critical response to filmic events and, in so doing, reflect upon their broader historical, cultural and socio-political significance. The lectures will introduce key concepts that will be explored in the seminars. The main part of each seminar will focus upon group tasks and discussion of the theme, specific event or set texts. Seminar discussions are also intended to develop your communication skills and your ability to develop and respond to ideas in a collaborative environment. You are expected to prepare for the sessions by studying the set text(s) for each week, and also by carrying out additional recommended reading/viewing (which will be indicated in the module guide and on the e–Learning Portal).

How will I learn on this module?

You will be taught via a weekly two-hour lecture, supplemented by a one-hour seminar. The emphasis on student-centred learning means that a lecture-seminar format is the most effective means by which to receive directed learning whilst also engaging in peer-to-peer explorations on a number of critical concepts. Each seminar will be structured around a particular theme and will focus upon a particular case-study designed to develop your comprehension and evaluation of practical and theoretical approaches to media events.

The seminar sessions will begin by introducing you to core concepts. The main part of each seminar will focus upon group tasks and discussion of the theme, events or set texts. Seminar discussions are also intended to develop your communication skills and your ability to develop and respond to ideas in a collaborative environment. You are expected to prepare for the sessions by studying the set text(s) for each week, and also by carrying out additional recommended reading/viewing (which will be indicated in the module guide and on the e–Learning Portal).

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The module tutor has weekly office hours during which you can drop in for academic support. All students are also provided with an academic tutor who also has hours to support your learning. The seminars will allow you to engage in group discussion and problem-solving with the module tutor and your peers, thus developing a constructive support network. The delivery of the module will be supported with learning and lecture materials that are accessible via the e-learning portal.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

• An understanding of the key critical and theoretical debates about specific media events

• An ability to contextualise and critically interrogate events within the social and cultural contexts within which they are formed

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:

• An ability to articulate, evaluate and apply theoretical and critical scholarship on the concept of media events

• Demonstration of analytical and communication abilities through verbal and written means.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• An appreciation of the global and cultural contexts of media events

How will I be assessed?

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

To prepare you successfully to undertake the summative assessment(s) on this module, formative assessments will be set by the module team. These may take the form of in-class tasks or projects, developmental activities undertaken between classes, or learning exercises/activities set over a longer period. Feedback (written and/or oral) will be provided to help you learn from, reflect on, and develop in light of these formative assessments.



SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

The summative assessment strategy for this module is to encourage you to develop a critically and contextually informed understanding of media events, their organisational dynamics and management. Assessment takes and the form of a 3,000-word individual summative written event proposal (100 %).

The individual event proposal (3,000 words) tests your ability to reflect upon relevant critical material and to persuasively develop and propose a specific media event. It addresses all of the MLOs relating to knowledge/understanding, intellectual/professional skills and personal values attributes, in testing: an understanding of key debates, an ability to contextualise, an ability to articulate, evaluate and apply theoretical/critical ideas in relation to specific examples, and the communication of these abilities. Submission and receipt of feedback is via Turnitin.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

Ever wondered what the point of something like a film festival really is and how it works? Ever thought about why awards ceremonies like the Oscars take place and what their real value is? Ever considered how things like media publicity stunts shape the way we think about the world? Or, even, just how things like film festivals, awards ceremonies, conventions or film marketing campaigns are put together and what dynamics shape the way they function and their success or failure? Using a case approach study, this module looks at how a specific film-based event is organised, what its effect on the film industry is and how, as academics, we might conceptualise and make sense of these dynamics. The stress in Event Cultures is upon a holistic approach that looks at an event from the bottom up, examining its dynamics, creation, operationalisation and – ultimately – what it achieves. The assessment task encourages you to conceptualise, develop and propose your own hypothetical media event in relation to the case study the module examines, allowing you to demonstrate how the knowledge you gain on the module might be put into practice in the real world.

Course info

UCAS Code P305

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Northumbria School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries, Arts

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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