2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

FILM5055M Current Enquiries into Film Studies

30 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Priyanka Singh
Email: p.verma@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Current Enquiries into Film Studies introduces students to the latest critical approaches and thought in the discipline. Drawing on a variety of local and national cinemas, the module looks at, and aims to develop understanding of, current debates that are being developed by researchers at Leeds and elsewhere. A team-taught module, you will benefit from the expertise of a range of staff from the Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures. The module is assessed by a literature review and an end of module essay.

Objectives

This module aims to extend students’ knowledge of film theory by interrogating the field of film studies in the 21st century digital, post-celluloid era. It also aims to advance students’ understanding of current developments in, and critical approaches to world cinemas, focusing on transformations in film and film industries in the twenty-first century. The module also enables students to identify areas of current research that should complement the development of their Independent Project on the MA Film Studies (MODL5630M). A team-taught module, Current Enquiries into Film Studies features contributions from a variety of staff in the Centre for World Cinemas and invites students to apply the tools of film analysis, theory and history to a range of cutting-edge case studies.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1) show a nuanced appreciation of current issues and research in film studies;
2. demonstrate analytical, theoretical and historical understanding of a range of concerns and phenomena in cinema and in film studies;
3. exhibit dexterity in the use of the methodological tools of film and cultural theory and history;
4. demonstrate the ability to apply breadth and/or depth of knowledge to a complex specialist area;
5. be able to draw on a range of perspectives on the area of study;
6. evaluate and criticise received opinion;
7. evidence appropriate creative abilities and appropriate technical competence.

Syllabus

Taught postgraduate students will be introduced to the latest critical approaches and thought that underpins recent discussions in each of the selected topics, and the field of world cinemas more broadly. Taught in a combination of lectures and seminars, the module will expose students to current debates in film studies by drawing on examples from a variety of local and national cinemas, and their transnational and global articulations. Students will benefit from the expertise of the staff of the Centre for World Cinemas and Digital Cultures working on a range of innovative research projects, and the syllabus will evolve to reflect their cutting-edge concerns.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Film Screenings	10	2.00	20.00
Lecture	10	1.00	10.00
Seminar	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			260.00
Total Contact hours			40.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Estimated distribution of study time:
• Preparation for lecture and seminars - 150
• Preparation and drafting
o of assessed literature review - 20
o of final essay / videoessay- 50
• Group study - 30
Total 250

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored on a regular basis via classroom participation and monitored group discussion.
Students will receive additional feedback and support when planning their assessments. The feedback from the first assessment and the seminar presentations will also be formulated to assist with writing the larger end-of-module essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2000-word essay OR 6/8-minute video essay and a 500/1,000-word reflective account	70.00
Literature Review	1000 words	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The essay (70% of the module mark) may take the form of a standard essay (2,000-words). It may also take the form of a video essay (6-8 minutes). In the latter case, the video essay should be accompanied by an account of goals and process of 500-1000 words.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/05/2024

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