Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Film and Television Authorship
School	Eng, Drama, & Creative Studies
Department	Film and Creative Writing
Module Code	09 29109
Module Lead	Rob Stone
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	This module investigates why it is that the concept of authorship is so different in relation to film (supposedly a director’s medium) and television (apparently a writer’s medium). This module explores, examines and challenges the concept of authorship in relation to film and television. It begins with analysis of the various traditions and examples of authorship in both media. It focuses on the emergence of ‘big name’ film directors in Hollywood cinema and continues by engaging with the Auteur theory: the notion that the film director should be considered the ‘author’ of a film as a writer is the author of a book. This theory is then challenged in analysis of specific writing on the subject as well as in close case studies and in-depth analysis of key filmmakers and television writers and their most important works. The module thus pursues an understanding of the tension between directorial autonomy, audience demands, critical expectations and the film and television industries. The idea of authorship, which is principally concerned with the status of the film director as an artist, is of fundamental importance in the field of film and television studies and, indeed, creative writing in relation to both media.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate awareness and knowledge of key movement and trends in cinema and television as they relate to the authorship of films and programmes. The breadth of this awareness will include theories, works and movements that will inform the ability of students to outline aspects of their scholarship as it relates to aspects of authorship. Understand various critical, historical and theoretical approaches to authorship in relation to film and television. Demonstrate an ability to articulate responses to notions of film authorship, including gender, politics and cultural elements. Structure evaluative and critical work into written presentation and demonstrate a range of relevant study skills, including taking concise and relevant notes on reading; writing an essay plan; and researching bibliography on a set topic.
Assessment	29109-01 : Presentation : Presentation (25%) 29109-02 : Essay : Coursework (75%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Audio-visual presentation of comparative criticism (one film and one television programme) (25%) 3,000 word essay (75%)
Other	None
Reading List