module specification

In this module you will explore ideas related to stardom, performance and celebrity, considering their significance in relation to national film industries, cultural context and issues, transnational stardom, press reception, screen identity, forms of celebrity and image branding, and developing patterns of image construction.

Over the course of the module, you will explore how film industries from the United States, Europe and the Global South have developed strategies around stardom, how films have built and reinforced mythology related to individual stars and stardom itself, and the variety of ways in which star imagery might be constructed both on and off screen. In addition, you will consider the overlaps and distinctions between stardom, celebrity and contemporary image branding as part of 21st century consumer culture. A variety of case studies will be examined through the lens of cultural context, national and transnational stardom, and the cultural significance of stars and celebrities. The concept of performance will be examined in relation to the construction of stardom and celebrity and its impact on film, television and media culture. This approach enables consideration of both these broad concepts and their illustration through individual examples. Developing core skills of both primary and secondary research, you will critically analyse a topic of your choice using this approach. Examining stars, films and industries from early cinema to the present day, you will develop on this module an in-depth understanding of ideas of film stardom and performance nationally and internationally.

In this module you will:

• Explore and debate issues of stardom, performance and celebrity
• Examine definitions of stardom and celebrity as well as the various ways in which images are constructed
• Locate and critically analyse star and celebrity images within a cultural context
• Critically analyse the impact of performance on film and television narrative, media culture and audience reception
• Develop students’ skills in original research

The module begins by introducing key theories on stardom and performance (including the definition of stardom, issues around the production and consumption of star images and the relationship between performance and image) and the relationship between stardom and cinema. (LO 1, 4, 5)

You will be introduced to the core development of star mythology through film narratives which construct notions of charisma, similarity and difference. (LO 1, 4)

You will then consider the historical dimension of stardom, as they will explore the rise of the star and studio systems in different contexts (in Hollywood, India and Italy). (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

You will explore the evolution from stardom and celebrity, considering issues of brand construction and the overlaps and distinctions between these concepts (LO 1, 2, 3, 5)

You will address the significance of performance as part of image construction, for example its value and effects for both movie stars and various types of celebrity (LO2, 4, 5)

The module will explore the social and cultural dimension of stardom and celebrity and audiences’ engagements with them, and their intersection with questions of class, gender and race. (LO 3, 5)

Shifting ideas of stardom and celebrity will be considered, from key notions of glamour and aspiration to contemporary notions of celebrity and celebrity culture. (LO 1,3, 5)

The module, which consists of 15 weeks, includes a programme of 12 weekly taught sessions and 3 assessment weeks.

Teaching methods include formal lectures, seminar discussions, screenings, blended learning and students’ guided independent study. Students are expected to attend lectures and seminars, and to participate in class discussions, which at times will be conducted in small groups. Class activities will include the close reading and discussion of selected texts.

Students will enhance their learning and research skills by conducting independent research. Assessments tailored around individual student case studies provide students with the opportunity for primary research and planning in a developmental assessment strategy through to their final essays.

Students’ learning experience will be supported through the use of a blended learning environment, which facilitates communication between students and tutors, and allows students to develop collaborations. The Virtual Learning Environment (Weblearn) will be also used to integrate additional learning materials available online from research journals, research institutions and professional organisations

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

(1) Critically debate key issues related to stardom, celebrity and performance

(2) Explore the construction of images in relation to film, television and media

(3) Critically analyse images in relation to cultural context and issues of identity

(4) Critically analyse the impact of images and performance on screen narrative and media culture

(5) Demonstrate skills and abilities of original research in relation to star images and celebrity branding

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