2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL3230 Cinema in the Digital Era

20 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Angelos Koutsourakis
Email: a.koutsourakis@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

'Digital revolution', 'Dissolution of the medium', 'Death of the cinema' are phrases commonly used to describe the most extensive reworking of the role of images since the inauguration of cinema. The course investigates some of the shifts that have taken place over the past two decades in conjunction with the rise of digital filmmaking tools and the evolution of a new form of moving digital media art. The course moves on to examine the emergence of new genres and moving image experiences as what we know as cinema expands beyond the confines of movie theatres and TV screens into new venues asserting the primacy of media culture. Regular film screenings are scheduled and appear on the timetable. Students may alternatively choose to view the set films on DVD in their own time.

Objectives

The objectives of Cinema in the Digital Era are to:
- introduce the concept of digital film making and new media culture;
- investigate innovations in the feature film format;
- examine the moving image digital technologies as a new form of media culture;
- examine the effects of digital film making on our understanding of the medium, genre, and their cultural functions.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- show an understanding of the new media culture
- display awareness of recent technological developments and their impact on film making
- demonstrate knowledge of the major themes and types of digital cinema / new media culture
- and show an understanding of the role of digital technologies in national and transnational cinemas around the world.

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- conduct complex analysis of single films and film clusters,
- use technical vocabulary specific to film and new/digital media,
- differentiate between various techniques used in film production,
- critique cinematic styles and genres in relation to the use of digital technologies,
- discuss specific styles of digital production in relation to film and animation,
- conduct individual research,
- present results of research in the form of essays and oral presentations.

Syllabus

The module starts with the definition of available digital technologies used for production of a moving image. An overview of the development of digital technologies will follow. Discussion will focus on the changes digital technologies have caused in relation to film as a medium as well as film production, distribution and consumption (networked production, file sharing, piracy).

The course will investigate the transition from Classical Hollywood to Post-Classical Hollywood and emergence of independent filmmaking (Spielberg, Coppola, and Lucas) among other trends in world cinemas associated with the digital revolution.

Discussion will focus on common themes (immersion and excess; virtualisation; the digital body) and new forms (animation; CGI; music video; video installation) as well as new media and the return of the auteur.

The course will conclude with an insight into the relation of film and the Internet (flash animation, YouTube) and emergence of web cinema.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Film Screenings	10	2.00	20.00
Class tests, exams and assessment	1	2.00	2.00
Seminar	10	2.00	20.00
Private study hours			158.00
Total Contact hours			42.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- Preparation per seminar: 10 x 5 hours = 50 hours
- Essay preparation: 55 hours
- Exam revision: 53 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

1 x 3,000 word essay = 50%

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	3,000 words	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 00 mins	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		50.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/08/2017

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