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[beccaelizabeth]

I managed to read one whole chapter (and skim the introduction) of a book about British TV imported to America. It's a slightly odd angle. The writer is using words in a bit of a different way than the textbook does. Like myth and common sense - they're different words for ways-ideology-hides when they're in one set of books, but they do not appear to be in this one. They mean 'story that crystallises certain cultural undercurrents' and 'common sense'. No made up or sneaky stuff about them. Is very odd, like being asked to read it with one eye closed.

Also it just said that Robin Hood was escapism from the social and political problems of the day. I kinda thought Robin Hood was all about social and political problems. I mean he's hiding out in the forest because the government are bitches, for a start. And various different versions stress various different aspects, but those include church corruption, church&state involvement, the social and economic impact of war, even foreign war, sometimes a whole soldier returns from the wars angle, sometimes with new and improved race issues, and a whole lot about unjust laws and how people can't work hard enough to earn a living within the system. I kind of thought it was social&political problems wearing tights and shooting arrows, basically. Is that not always so?

Is interesting book though. Like turning around and looking at Britain from the wrong end of the telescope, but also like looking at America. It says that when TV was new and shiny about 1/4 of films were from Britain, due to complicated involving the break up of the Hollywood studio system and how there were lots and lots of hours of TV and, well, no reruns I guess. That's kinda cool. It also says that from early on, and with the help of TV Guide, Britain=quality. That's... making me snigger uncharitably. Though it's not like I know enough about ye ancient TV to do any comparisons.

The introduction explained it is leaving out Doctor Who cause of something like it would take too much talking about. No fair.

... there's whole books just about Doctor Who. I could read them. Except for they're not on the reading list.

... I should go look up that unit about studying Doctor Who for credit at the UEA. I'd probably have to pay for it myself, but I wouldn't mind...

Heh, unit is now called Dr Who? for 10 credits at level 1.
... sounds more interesting than KidLit or Short Story, actually. Wonder if I can count it in somehow?...
It's on Wednesdays, but in the evenings, which just figures (Wednesdays are my morning class, as far as I know all year). I'd have to be studying 0900-1200 and then 1900-2100. Doesn't sound worky. However, the courses only overlap in 3 teaching weeks. Could I manage that for 3 weeks? Well, they'd be the last weeks before I do the assessment things that tell me if I've passed the whole 20 credit unit or if I have to do it again next year, so, possibly not a good area for experimentation. And yet... Doctor Who, at university, for credit. The idea alone has so much win...

Comments

[bramblyhedge.livejournal.com]

I kind of thought it was social&political problems wearing tights and shooting arrows, basically. Is that not always so?

I was always under that impression. For example, I know of at least two versions where the gang keep saying "Oh, when King Richard comes back from the Crusades he'll put everything right". Then, when Richard does come back, he doesn't put things right at all because he's too busy war-planning & etc. How is that not political? ^_^;;;

And yet... Doctor Who, at university, for credit. The idea alone has so much win...

FTW!! :D

[beccaelizabeth]

*nods*