Introduction to Film Studies: Approaches and Methods enables students to build their repertoire of skills through critical engagement with a variety of the ways that films can be analysed, evaluated and understood alongside various theoretical, social and historical contexts. Individual film texts, representing a diverse range of nationalities, historical periods, genres and styles, will be studied in detail and in relation to specific weekly topics and approaches. The module will also invite reflection on the usefulness and validity of these approaches in order for students to develop their own arguments and perspectives. Topics and case studies will draw from the specialisms of staff in the department of Film and Creative Writing, and as such are likely to vary from year-to-year. Indicative topics that have taught on this module previously include: feminist film theory, world cinema, philosophical approaches to film, adaptation, genre, animation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Articulate the relationship between the film text and its wider social and historical contexts
Demonstrate an understanding of critical perspective in the evaluation of film art
Evaluate the characteristics of different theoretical trends in film studies
Employ the language and style of film scholarship in written work and oral presentations
Assessment
30519-01 : Class Presentation : Coursework (30%)
30519-02 : 2,500 word critical essay : Coursework (70%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Group Presentation, approx 5 minutes per student - 30%
Essay (2000 words) - 70%
Reassessment
Failed component only
Individual Presentation (max.10 minutes, delivered in person, online via video call, or pre-recorded) - 30%;