Hello, I’m
Dr. Merfat Alardawi
This website presents my research, publications, teaching and academic activities in drama, film, and television studies, with a focus on women's studies, audience engagement, and cultural representation.
This website presents my research, publications, teaching and academic activities in drama, film, and television studies, with a focus on women's studies, audience engagement, and cultural representation.
A record of impactful research, teaching excellence, and international academic contributions.
Publications
Citations
Conferences
Years of Teaching
My research is situated within the fields of drama, film, and television studies, with a particular emphasis on audience studies, gender representation, and comparative cultural analysis, alongside interests in media production, podcasts, and artificial intelligence in film.
It is the representation of both real and imagined events through the performance of scripted dialogue for an audience. Dramas are primarily performed as plays in a theater, although numerous dramas have been recreated and adapted for film, television, or radio. Today, drama is often used to describe a genre of storytelling in film and television, such as in The Godfather or The Expanse. Dramas, despite their name, aren't always serious in nature. Five distinct types of classic dramas exist, each with its unique characteristics: comedy, tragedy, farce, melodrama, and musical drama.
Film, or cinema, fundamentally refers to moving images-depictions of time, space, sound, and narrative. Since its inception in Europe and America during the late nineteenth century, it has garnered immense popularity. The film industry has experienced rapid growth, largely fueled by people's enthusiasm for both creating and, notably, watching films. Given that Bollywood produces over eight hundred films on average annually, and Hollywood's output is nearly half of that figure, audiences have a plethora of choices when it comes to selecting what to watch. While many individuals watch films primarily for entertainment, a significant number also develop a keen interest in analyzing what distinguishes a film as good or bad. For some moviegoers, simply following the storyline may not suffice; instead, they may find themselves intrigued by the underlying themes and motivations behind the narrative choices, prompting deeper discussions and analysis. Film studies emerged with the purpose of critically analyzing films, encompassing both their forms and contextual elements. In its essence, film not only narrates stories but also conveys ideas, both politically and philosophically. Visual imagery depicted in a film often transcends its literal representation, carrying deeper connotations and symbolic meanings. Indeed, the meanings and interpretations of film can vary widely among viewers. Moreover, whether consciously acknowledged or not, films have significantly influenced the ideas and values embraced by many individuals in contemporary society. Film studies encompass the examination of non-cinematic elements such as contextual factors and audience reception, which are represented through sound and visual imagery.
A daytime serial, typically aired on television or broadcast on the radio, is characterized by its dramatic content and revolves around the lives of numerous characters. The core themes of these serials typically revolve around topics such as love, family dynamics, intimate relationships, and other domestic matters.
However, the genre has evolved through a process of diversification, where family conflicts are intertwined with broader social and political issues.This type of series is marked by the absence of a predetermined ending at the start of production, allowing the show to extend for years and potentially accumulate thousands of episodes. Soap operas originated in the US radio industry during the early 1930s, as advertising agencies representing soap, toiletry, and foodstuff industries began developing programs aimed at capturing a female audience. The inaugural program widely recognized as a soap opera or daytime serial is "Painted Dreams," which debuted on WGN radio Chicago on October 20, 1930. The show was consistently aired during daytime hours, targeting a demographic largely composed of housewives, thereby catering to and predominantly consumed by a female audience. Clara, Lu, 'n Em" made history as the first network radio serial of its kind when it premiered on the NBC Blue Network on January 27, 1931.
Television is a system for transmitting visual images and sound, which are then reproduced on screens. Its primary function is to broadcast programs for entertainment, information, and education. The television set has become a commonplace in many households, businesses, and institutions. Television serves as a significant platform for advertising and has had a profound impact on contemporary American society, with few inventions rivaling its influence. Jeff Greenfield, a media observer, aptly summarized television's impact, stating, "Television is the pervasive American pastime, cutting through geographic, ethnic, class, and cultural diversity. It is the single binding thread of this country, the one experience that touches young and old, rich and poor, learned and illiterate" (Biagi 2005). In 1948, just one percent of American households owned a TV set. However, by 1953, over 50 percent had one. Since the early 1960s, more than 90 percent of all homes in the United States have had a television set (Campbell, Martin & Fabos 2012). From the era of mechanical television to the advent of electronic television, there has been a continuous evolution in how televisions are perceived and utilized in modern society.
"Telenovela" is a term widely used across Latin America to refer to melodramatic serials that have become the most popular programs in the television industries of the region. These shows typically dominate prime-time slots and command the highest advertising rates. Telenovelas have been exported to every continent worldwide. Despite sharing a similar history and common features with soap operas, they are distinct genres.
Dizi is a term used for Turkish television drama series, whether they are sitcoms or drama. Turkish television series (Turkish: Turk dizileri) has grown radically since the 2000s. Most Turkish dramas reflect the country's culture and serve as its most prominent economic and cultural exports. Turkey is the world's fastest growing television series exporter and in the mid-2010s, it has overtaken both Mexico and Brazil as the world's second highest television series exporter after the United States. The television industry has been instrumental in bolstering Turkey's reputation and influence across various continents, including Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North Africa. Through the dissemination of Turkish dramas, the country's cultural richness and storytelling prowess have garnered widespread acclaim and admiration, contributing significantly to its global recognition and appeal.
