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In this seminar, we will look at the phenomenon of American ‘quality TV’ and discuss recent serials. We will be interested in their specific narrative take on the serial form, their aesthetics, and their thematic concerns. For example, we will consider the issue of race, gender and citizenship in The Wire (HBO, 2002-2008) and discuss the unusually broad scope of the series’ plot structure. We will examine the relevance of the painstakingly recreated 1960s setting of Mad Men (AMC, 2007-today) for current concerns with capitalist consumerism, gender, race, and sexuality. Examining Homeland (Showtime, 2011-today), issues of national, racial, gender and religious identity will be particularly relevant. Further, we will analyse the serial’s concern with the topical political questions of terrorism and surveillance. Please watch (at least) the first season of The Wire before the start of the semester. |
