2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MODL1700 Introduction to Film Studies I

20 creditsClass Size: 80

Module manager: Claire Lozier
Email: c.a.lozier@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

MODL1030: Introduction to World Cinemas I

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Introduction to Film Studies 1 introduces students to the key concepts in film studies through an original and democratic approach. Rather than adopting the usual division between Hollywood and the rest of the world, the module looks at these concepts from the perspective of World Cinema; that is, a polycentric phenomenon with peaks of creation in different places and periods. Through the exploration of 3 thematic blocks comprising 'shot', 'sound' and 'colour', students will be introduced to key histories (from the silent period to the present day), ideas and concepts in films studies, and they will learn how to read a film and use film-specific vocabulary.

Objectives

The objectives of the module are to:
- offer a positive definition of World Cinema, based on a polycentric approach to film studies
- explain how films interconnect across history and geography
- introduce students to research in film studies and new scholarship on the subject
- teach students how to read a film and conduct film analysis
- introduce students to the standard concepts, information and techniques relevant to film studies

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- demonstrate awareness of the basic concepts, information, practical competencies and techniques which are a standard feature of film studies
- awareness of the global economy of films and their role in the production of meaning
- have some knowledge of the critical terminology relevant to film
- have an awareness of the cultural and socio-historical contexts in which film is produced and consumed

Skills outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate some knowledge of the critical terminology relevant to film
- conduct basic analysis of single films
- use technical vocabulary specific to film
- recognise a range of cinematic techniques from a variety of periods
- construct coherent written and oral arguments about the stylistic and cultural features of single films.

Syllabus

This module will introduce students to the key concepts in film studies, its guiding principle being an exploration of how technology has shaped the history of the medium. An introductory lecture will set out the topics to be discussed throughout the programme: cinephilia and society, film history, genre, technical innovation and creativity, the role of the auteur, film, politics and economics. The rest of the module will be divided into 3 thematic blocks comprising shot, sound, and colour. Students will explore the themes by looking at variety of films from the silent period through the post-WWII new waves to the advent and dominance of the digital era (although not in strict chronological) order.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			180.00
Total Contact hours			20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Reading and viewing for lectures and seminars; writing up notes and preparation for presenting outcomes in seminars; researching and writing essays.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation, group discussion and prepared presentations (formative).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1,500 words film clip analysis	50.00
Essay	2,000 word essay	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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: 02/03/2018 17:22:54

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