Hollywood degree course launched in UK

London, Feb 22 (UNI) A Master's degree course in Hollywood studies has been launched for the students of the University of Nottingham.

A trip to the cinema will soon be an essential part of their curriculum as they will look at the influence of Hollywood movies in shaping public opinion as well as providing mass entertainment.

The students will also study Hollywood's industrial practices and the origins of some of the great studios.

Dr Paul Grainge, deputy director of the Institute of Film and Television Studies-- which is based at the university's School of American and Canadian studies-- said entertainment in the US was big business.

''The Star Wars franchise alone earned more than the GDP of most African states. Hollywood is, in this way, central to our cultural and economic life,'' he added.

Course Modules of the course include those on film and film-making, blockbusters and Hollywood's influence in the US and abroad.

The course can be taken full-time over one year from this October or part-time over two years.

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