2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
FILM5027M Post-War European Cinema: History, Politics and Aesthetics
30 creditsClass Size: 50
Module manager: Robert Miles
Email: R.J.Miles1@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is mutually exclusive with
| FILM3027 | Post War European Cinema: History, Politics and Aesthetics |
This module is not approved as an Elective
Module summary
This module focuses on histories and concepts in contemporary European cinema so as to examine elements of film form and aesthetics in tandem with historical and political changes. We will discuss the ethics and politics of European cinema and historical changes in the global landscape, such as the traumas of fascism, the May of ‘68, post-colonialism and the collapse of Socialism, which have influenced films produced in the continent. The course may also explore the emergence of New Extremism in European cinema.Objectives
This module aims:• To discuss contemporary European cinema’s response to key moments in European history.
• To understand specific political and historical contexts and their influence upon the films made in Europe.
• To explore historical contexts, formal characteristics, and issues of politics and aesthetics in specific European films
Learning outcomes
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the course the successful student should be able to:
1. Identify and analyse the ethics and politics of representation in contemporary European cinema.
2. Recognize and evaluate key historical and critical approaches to the textual analysis and understanding of contemporary European cinema.
3. Synthesise knowledge, research and analysis to produce an extended piece of written work.
4. Evaluate and criticise received opinion.
5. Examine the function of different formal techniques and place them within the context of various nationally specific trends in European cinema.
6. Go beyond required and suggested readings, drawing from a wide variety of theoretical texts by scholars working in different domains.
Skills outcomes
Through its emphasis on self-directed learning and mutual responsibility, this module intends to foster the following attributes:
1. Skills in scholarly research as applied to and appropriate for the field of film studies.
2. The conceptual and organizational skills required to undertake self-directed learning.
3. The ability to understand the connection between film practice and theoretical and critical knowledge.
4. The research skills to produce an extended essay.
Syllabus
The module will begin with a broad discussion regarding the ethics and aesthetics of European cinema, exploring topics such as the traumas of World War Two, decolonisation, the protests of May 1968, post-colonial politics, and the collapse of Socialism. Each week will be dedicated to exploring one of those topics in more detail (alongside others), backed up by suggested readings and viewings.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Film Screenings | 20 | 2.00 | 40.00 |
| Seminar | 10 | 2.00 | 20.00 |
| Private study hours | 240.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 60.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation, group discussions and presentations (formative), which will also allow for peer feedback. Students will also be given formal feedback on their first assignment. This feedback will help them to produce their second assignment.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Source Analysis | 1000-word applied clip analysis, requiring sustained engagement with film theory | 40.00 |
| Essay | 2000 words | 60.00 |
| 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 websiteLast updated: 03/11/2023
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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