Last modified: 26 Jul 2024 12:46
Eurovision is the largest musical event in the world, followed by 70 million people every year. Since its beginnings in 1956, the concept of Eurovision has been changing over the years and through different historical periods, especially with regard to conflicts and European identity and sense of belonging.
The popularity of the event makes it globally recognized by the general public, but what is hidden behind the festival? what meanings do the performances and visual representations have? how are countries, different cultures and folklore represented? Is Eurovision political? How does Eurovision represent national identity?
The purpose of this course is to study the different representation methods offered by the Eurovision Song Contest through not only its history, but also analysing the most recent examples of the festival, focusing especially on the new millennium, with the arrival of new countries into the contest.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 30 credits (15 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) presents a unique opportunity for the representation of Pan-European identities through an inclusive and common space that celebrates diversity, unity, and equality. This contest serves as a global stage where nations can portray their identification and patriotism, offering a visual representation of their culture.
Course Topics and Modules:
1. National Selections:
o Examination of how countries select their representatives, with a focus on the cultural and political implications of these processes.
2. Fan Media:
o Topics: Exploration of fan culture surrounding ESC, including social media presence and the impact of fans on the contest's popularity.
3. Performances and Representation Strategies:
o Topics: Analysis of performance strategies, including staging, choreography, and the use of cultural symbols in performances.
4. LGBTQI+ and Gender Empowerment:
o Topics: Study of how the ESC promotes LGBTQI+ rights and gender equality, examining notable performances and participants.
5. Cultural Identities:
o Topics: Discussion on how different countries express their cultural identities through ESC, with case studies on specific countries and regions.
6. Media Archaeology:
o Topics: Investigation of the historical evolution of the ESC, including changes in media technology and broadcasting.
7. Popular and Visual Culture:
o Topics: Examination of the visual elements used in ESC, including costume design, staging, and the use of national symbols and colours.
Course Objectives:
• To understand the role of the Eurovision Song Contest in promoting cultural identity and national pride.
• To analyse the impact of historical and ongoing geopolitical conflicts as reflected in ESC performances.
• To explore the significance of visual and media elements in shaping public perception of national identities.
• To study the inclusive nature of ESC in fostering diversity and unity across Europe.
In this course, students will be assessed through two primary methods: an academic essay and a creative project. The academic essay, due at mid-term, will require students to engage deeply with course materials and demonstrate their understanding of key concepts. This essay will focus on analysing specific aspects of the Eurovision Song Contest, such as the representation of national identities, geopolitical influences, or the role of visual elements in performances. Students will be expected to support their arguments with scholarly sources and provide a critical examination of their chosen topics. Additionally, a creative project will form another significant component of the assessment. Students will have the option to produce either a podcast or a video essay, which will allow them to explore course themes in a more dynamic and engaging format. This project will encourage students to utilize multimedia tools to present their research findings creatively, providing an opportunity to develop skills in digital storytelling and media production. Both assessments aim to foster a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of the Eurovision Song Contest and its broader cultural and political implications
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 37 | Feedback Weeks | ||
| Feedback |
Video Essay + Reflection– choose a country and reflect on the representation of their culture, heritage, and identities in their participation in the Eurovision song contest using at least 3 examples. The podcast will be 5 minutes long and the Reflection should 1,500 words Students will be provided with training during the course in order to produce a video essay. |
Word Count | 1500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Analyse | Analyse the different modes of representing memory through the visual media using the Eurovision song Contest as a case study. |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Evaluate the different methodologies through an interdisciplinary approach to understand the national, historical and memory representations offered by the festival. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 40 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 31 | Feedback Weeks | ||
| Feedback |
Analyse one of the performances suggested by the course coordinator. Think about the background, the country and its history, the modes of representation. Coordinator will provide informal feedback midway through the course with the final grade at the end of the course. |
Word Count | 2000 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the different processes through which the history and geopolitics of Europe have been applied to the Eurovision Song Contest |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 100 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Written feedback will be provided within 3 weeks of submission |
Word Count | 2500 | |
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Procedural | Analyse | Analyse the different modes of representing memory through the visual media using the Eurovision song Contest as a case study. |
| Conceptual | Understand | Understand the different processes through which the history and geopolitics of Europe have been applied to the Eurovision Song Contest |
| Reflection | Evaluate | Evaluate the different methodologies through an interdisciplinary approach to understand the national, historical and memory representations offered by the festival. |
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