Course Objectives

By the end of the course students will be able to:

• Understand British television's historical, cultural, political and economic contexts.
• Have an awareness of how professionals in the industry work.
• Consider the implications of current economic and technological changes in the British television industry.
• Show greater insight about the conventions, objectives and structures of specific programme genres.

Course materials are listed below.  Please log in to view these items.

Course Comments

“I really enjoyed this course. Never having taken a TV class before it was a geat introduction to the complex world of British Television. Every class was really well thought out and was very informative.” Anon., Fall 2009

"Professor Fanthome is excellent! I loved coming to class every day becasue she was always prepared and presented the information in an interesting day. I would recommend this class to anyone with an interest in the media. One of the best college courses I have taken by far!" Caroline Naughton, Fall 2009

“I really enjoyed this class. It was interesting to examine British culture through the lens of television. What I learned in this class impressed my interviewer at my internship and Christine is great!”  Jennifer Shahan, Spring 2008

“Studying British TV gives you a sense of cultural understanding that many of the other classes do not. I found class time particularly effective in understanding British society.” Anon., Fall 2008

Faculty Information

Dr Christine Fanthome Dr Christine Fanthome began her career at Thames Television, where she worked in a variety of positions including senior researcher, associate producer, reporter and continuity scriptwriter. After taking an MA and a PhD in Media and Communication at London University she is now a writer, consultant and lecturer. In addition to teaching at BU-London, she runs a media audiences course for postgraduates at City University, London. She is the author of three important academic publications The Student Life Handbook (Palgrave, 2005), Work Placements: A survival guide for students (Palgrave, 2004) and Channel 5: The Early Years (University of Luton Press, 2003). Christine is also Chair of the Regional Audience Council for BBC London and a member of Audience Council England which supports the BBC Trust.

Course Syllabus and Materials

Hyperlinked readings:

Atwal, K. et al. (2003) What children watch : an analysis of children's programming provision between 1997-2001, and children's views.  (London : Broadcasting Standards Commission, Independent Television Commission)  ISBN: 187251541

Uploaded readings:

You must log in to view these items.

Return to main course page (Fall/Spring or Summer).