Information Package / Course Catalogue
Television Criticism
Course Code: RTS350
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

The aim of this course is to critically examine the content and formality of televised products as a means of mass communication. It is to understand the ideological, cultural and socio-economic structures of the social structure in which television is located. It aims to have an effective critical monitoring ground for communication candidates besides the theoretical framework of narrative and genre.

Course Content

The relation between television, community and individual scale, and the content produced by these dersties, which will be questioned about the conversion function, will be related to language, representation and meaning production. The effects of mass society theories, television reviews, narrative structure of television, television and subspecies will be evaluated.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Res. Assist. Sumru YILDIRIM
Learning Outcomes
1.Analyzes television programs within the framework of audio-visual codes, narrative structure, and ideological perspectives to make critical evaluations
2.Demonstrates knowledge of the historical development, structure, flow logic, and genres of television and applies this knowledge in critical analyses.
3.Evaluates target audience, cultural context, and forms of representation to interpret the social impacts of media content.
4.Evaluates television as a field of communication and cultural production by analyzing the structural, aesthetic, and societal dimensions of programs through relevant theoretical frameworks.
5.Prepares written critiques of television programs, applying academic expression and media analysis techniques.
Recommended or Required Reading
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to TV criticism, purpose and scope – Definition of television criticism, its historical development, why it matters, and the topics to be covered in the course.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Structure of television and the concept of flow – Technical and content structure of broadcasting, the idea of flow, and how programs are scheduled.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Narrative structure and continuity techniques – Plot construction, scene transitions, and methods for keeping the audience engaged.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Opening scenes and paratext elements – Titles, trailers, and episode recaps, and their functions.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Audio-visual codes I: camera, framing, editing – Camera placement, shot angles, framing, editing rhythm, and meaning creation.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Audio-visual codes II: lighting, sound, music – Lighting, sound effects, use of music, and creating emotional impact on viewers.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Target audience, advertising, and product placement – Audience profiling, targeting strategies, and criticism of ads and product placement.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Program context and cultural values – Analysis of the cultural, social, and political context in which a program is broadcast. - Midterm
Week 9 - Theoretical
Representation and identity construction – How identity categories such as gender, ethnicity, and class are represented on television.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Ideology and audience positioning – How dominant ideologies are reflected in programs and how audiences are positioned.
Week 11 - Theoretical
News Programs and impartial broadcasting. A look at female audience and women programs.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Realism effect and persuasive strategies – Techniques used by programs to create a sense of realism in viewers.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Methods for writing a TV review – The process of analyzing a TV program and producing a review.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Digital platforms and the transformation of television broadcasting – The impact of digital platforms such as Netflix, BluTV, and Disney+ on television criticism, changing dynamics in content production, transformation of audience habits, and the future of traditional television.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Assignment1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory140342
Assignment150151
Midterm Examination130131
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)124
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
OÇ-1
3
5
4
4
5
5
5
OÇ-2
2
4
4
4
5
5
4
OÇ-3
5
3
4
5
5
5
OÇ-4
4
3
4
5
5
5
OÇ-5
4
3
3
4
4
5
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026