Television Studies explores the cultural, social, and economic impact of TV. You'll analyze TV shows, genres, and production techniques. The course covers the history of television, audience reception, and how TV shapes society. You'll also learn about streaming platforms, binge-watching culture, and the future of television in the digital age.

Is Television Studies hard?

Television Studies isn't typically considered a super tough course, but it does require critical thinking and analysis. You'll need to watch a lot of TV (not a bad homework assignment) and be ready to discuss shows in depth. The readings can be dense at times, but overall, it's more about developing your analytical skills than memorizing facts.

Tips for taking Television Studies in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Watch a diverse range of TV shows, not just your favorites
Pay attention to current TV trends and industry news
Take notes while watching shows, focusing on themes and production techniques
Participate in class discussions - sharing your thoughts helps solidify concepts
Explore academic journals on media studies for deeper insights
Watch classic shows to understand TV history (I Love Lucy, The Twilight Zone, etc.)
Check out documentaries like "The Story of Film: An Odyssey" for industry context

Common pre-requisites for Television Studies

Introduction to Film Studies: This course covers basic film theory and analysis techniques. You'll learn about shot composition, editing, and narrative structure in cinema.
Media and Society: This class examines the role of various media forms in shaping culture and public opinion. It provides a foundation for understanding media's societal impact.

Classes similar to Television Studies

Film Theory: Dive into the academic study of cinema, exploring different critical approaches to film analysis. You'll learn about auteur theory, genre studies, and psychoanalytic film theory.
Digital Media Studies: This course focuses on new media forms, including social media, video games, and online content. You'll examine how digital technologies are changing media consumption and production.
Popular Culture Studies: Analyze various forms of popular culture, including music, fashion, and sports. This class often intersects with TV studies, exploring how different media forms influence each other.
Screenwriting: Learn the craft of writing for television and film. You'll study story structure, character development, and dialogue writing specifically for the screen.

Film and Media Studies: Focuses on the history, theory, and production of various media forms. Students learn critical analysis skills and often have hands-on production experiences.
Communications: Explores how information is transmitted and received in various contexts. Students study media effects, public relations, and interpersonal communication.
Cultural Studies: Examines how cultural practices shape and are shaped by social structures. Students analyze various cultural products, including TV shows, to understand broader societal trends.
Journalism: Focuses on gathering, verifying, and presenting news and information. Students learn about media ethics, reporting techniques, and the evolving landscape of news media.

What can you do with a degree in Television Studies?

TV Producer: Oversees the creative and logistical aspects of TV production. They manage budgets, coordinate staff, and ensure the show's vision is realized.
Media Analyst: Examines trends in media consumption and content. They provide insights to help companies make strategic decisions about programming or advertising.
Content Creator: Develops original content for various platforms, including streaming services and social media. They come up with ideas, write scripts, and often oversee production.
Television Critic: Writes reviews and analysis of TV shows for publications or websites. They need to have a deep understanding of TV history and current trends to provide insightful commentary.